'Ikale Tahi to face Japan Saturday May 25 [1]
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - 14:48. Updated on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 - 20:17.
The Pacific Nations Cup will commence this Saturday May 25, with the ‘Ikale Tahi taking on Japan’s “Brave Blossoms” in Yokohama, Japan.
The Pacific Nations Cup has expanded its competition this year with the United States and Canada joining in as formidable opponents. The 2013 Pacific Nations Cup champions, Manu Samoa, have opted out of this year’s tournament as they participate in the “Quadrangular Tournament” featuring South Africa, Scotland and Italy.
Tongan fixtures for Pacific Nations Cup 2013
Japan vs. Tonga
May 25, 2013
Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium, Yokohama, Japan
Canada vs. Tonga
Saturday June 8, 2013
Richardson Stadium at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
USA vs, Tonga
Friday, June 14, 2013
Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, USA
Tonga vs. Fiji
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Chichibunomiya Memorial, Tokyo, Japan
Full Team List
Props
Eddie ‘Aholelei, Melbourne Rebels
Peni Fakalelu, Pau (France)
Taione Vea, Counties Manukau Steelers
Sila Puafisi, Tasman
Kamaliele Sakalia, Tonga A
Hookers
Elvis Taione, Jersey Rugby Club (UK)
Ilaise Ma‘asi, CS Viennie Rugby Club (France)
Locks
Joshua Afu, Kamaishi Sea Waves (Japan)
Tukulua Lokotui, Gloucestor (UK)
Daniel Faleafa, Northland
Samisoni Fifita Masima, Tonga A
Loose Forwards
Sione Kalamafoni, Gloucestor (UK)
Nili Latu, NEC Green Rockets (Japan)
Paula Kaho, Canberra Vikings
Viliami Ma‘afu, Massey (NZL)
Viliami Fihaki, North Harbour (New Zealand)
Halfbacks
Taniela Moa Pau, France
Thomas Palu Wellington Hurricanes Dev
First 5/8
Fangatapu, ‘Apikatoa, Amatori Rugby
Kurt Morath, Kubota Spears
Centres
Sione Piukala, Perpignan, France
Siale Piutau, Yamaha, Japan
Suka Hufanga, Newcastle, UK
Wingers
Will Helu, Manly, Australia
Viliame ‘Iongi, Tonga A
Fetu’u Vainikolo, Connacht, Ireland
Full Backs
Viliame Hakalo, Tonga A
David Halaifonua, Tonga 7s
Non-Travelling Reserves
Ofa Fainganuku, Glasgow Warriors, Scotland
Akameta Fe‘ao, Toloa Old Boys
Emosi Kauhenga, Ricoh
Hale T Pole, Otago
Sione Vaiomo‘unga, rugby viennie
Finau Tupa, Japan
Siale Fahiua, Tonga A
Manu ‘Ahota‘e‘iloa, Bayonne, France
Alaska Taufa, Akita Northern Bullet, Japan
Fraser Anderson, Kobe, Japan.
Management
Mana ‘Otai (Head Coach)
Dr Uiliami Fukofuka (Team Manager)
Mark Bakewell (Forwards Coach)
Dave Ellis (Backs Coach)
Dr. Fakaosi Pifileti (Doctor)
Jodie McCarthy (Physio)
Semisi Fonua (S&C)
Joh Fifita (Video Analyst).