'Ikale Tahi team named for European Tour 2010 [1]
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 - 17:30. Updated on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 16:34.
TONGA'S 'Ikale Tahi team to tour Europe this month has been named with a strong and experienced 26-member line-up that will meet Italy A on November 19 and the French Barbarians on November 26.
The Tonga Rugby Union Authority stated today that Tonga would play Italy A in Biella, Italy, followed by its second game against the French Barbarians in Grenoble.
'Ikale Tahi Coach 'Isitolo Maka, who named the team, said the 'Ikale Tahi was aiming to win both games.
"This tour is very important as part of the Rugby World Cup preparation. We will look back at how our players performed under pressure in international rugby."
He said players who played well on this tour would stake a claim in next year's World Cup.
"Both of these games are of high international standard as players in both teams play top-level rugby in Europe and at test level for either Italy or France."
The 'Ikale Tahi team consists of only one local player from Tonga and the rest from abroad who will gather in Biella on November 13.
'Ikale Tahi team
Players, Club
Soane Tonga'uiha, Northampton, England
Tonga Lea'aetoa, Bayon, France
Kisi Pulu, Perpigan, France
'Ofa Fainga'anuku, Eastern Suburbs, Australia
Semisi Telefoni, Agen,France
'Ifalemi Taukafa, Lyon, France
'Ilaisa Ma'asi, Counties, New Zealand
Tukulua Lokotui, Kintestu, Japan
'Emosi Kauhenga, Ricoh, Japan
Paino Hehea, Lyon, France
Sione Kalamafoni, Nottingham, England
Finau Maka (Captain), Aix En Province, France
Ueleni Fono, Agen, France
Samiu Vahafolau, Biarritz Olympique, France
Viliami Ma'afu, Mitsubishi, Japan
Soane Havea, Tonga
Samisoni Fisilau, Counties, New Zealand
Taniela Moa, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Kurt Morath, South Australia
Paula Kinikinilau, Wellington, New Zealand
Andew Ma'ilei, Bordeaux, Begles
'Alipate Fatafehi, North Harbour, New Zealand
Viliami Helu, Roma Rugby, Italy
Alaska Taufa, Akita, Northern Bullets, Japan
Mateo Malupo, Northland, New Zealand
Vungakoto Lilo (Vice-Captain), Bordeaux, Begles
Coach: 'Isitolo Maka
Forward Coach: John Mckee
Backs Coach: Siua Taumalolo.
He said that the TRUA had put in a great deal of effort together with overseas National Unions and the IRB to arrange these two top class fixtures since Tonga is not included in the IRB's test match schedule during the November test match window. Next year would be a very significant and busy year for both the 'Ikale Tahi and Tonga A.
TRUA Chairman Bob Tuckey said they were working to make sure the 'Ikale Tahi had all the preparation they needed for the 2011 Rugby World Cup by arranging additional international fixtures for the team over and above the Three Pacific Nations Cup matches.
Tonga A would also have an extensive match schedule with local players developing their talents and also measuring themselves against players at the highest level, he said.