‘Ikale Tahi optimistic ahead of French showdown

By Finau Fonua

'Ikale Tahi players enjoy community engagement with a local Japanese children.

Two changes have been made to the ‘ikale Tahi team that faced Argentina last weekend, as they prepare to play France tomorrow, Sunday 28 September, in Kumamoto, Japan.

Osprey’s prop Ma’afu Fia will replace Ben Tameifuna, while former NRL star and now Newcastle Falcon’s winger Cooper Vuna will replace Viliami Lolohea. The team is optimistic about repeating Tonga’s 2011 upset over France. Veteran ‘Ikale Tahi players Siale Piutau and Sione Kalamafoni were part of that 2011 team who achieved what is, perhaps, Tonga greatest Rugby Union victory to date. 

Head Coach Toutai Kefu said in a statement yesterday that he was encouraged by the improvement in performance shown by the ‘ikale Tahi over the last two weeks, and that they were determined to make an impression against France.

“This side has improved with every aspect of Rugby over the last two World Cup matches and we are focusing on lifting the ‘Ikale Tahi standard across the board. This week presents us with another huge challenge in France. A strong Six Nations team that has a rich history at the Rugby World Cup.

“France is a quality team, with a strong pack and threats all over the park, and we saw from their match against Argentina that they are a team that can perform under pressure.”

“As a team, we’re looking forward to this match and continuing to put out a performance the people of Tonga can be proud of.”

Meanwhile, France have announced their team with numerous changes to their squad who defeated the United States 33 – 9.

‘Ikale Tahi team to face France, 6 October. 

1. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (Pau, Fra)
2. Paula Ngauamo (Agen, Fra)
3. Ma’afu Fia (Ospreys, Eng)
4. Sam Lousi (Wellington Hurricanes, Nzl)
5. Halaleva Fifita (Grenoble, Fr)
6. Sione Kalamafoni (Leicester, Eng))
7. Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty, NZL)
8. Maama Vaipulu (Castres, Fra)
9. Sonatane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons, Eng)
10. James Faiva (Silverstorm El Salvador, Spain)
11. David Halaifonua (Coventry, Eng)
12. Siale Piutau (Bristol Bears, Eng)
13. Malietoa Hingano (Bayonne, Fr)
14. Cooper Vuna (Newcastle, Eng)
15. Telusa Veainu (Leicester, Eng)
16. Sosefo Sakalia (Asia Pacific Dragons, Singapore)
17. Vunipola Fifita (ACT Brumbies, Aus)
18. Siua Halanukonuka (Glasgow, Scot)
19. Sitiveni Mafi (Castres, Fra)
20. Nasi Manu (Treviso, Ita)
21. Leon Fukofuka (Auckland, NZL)
22. Latiume Fosita (Asia Pacific Dragons, Singapore)
23. Atieli Pakalani (Eastwood, Aus)

French Team    

1. Jefferson Poirot
2. Camille Chat
3. Rabah Slimani
4. Paul Gabrillagues
5. Sebastien Vahaamahina
6. Wenceslas Lauret
7. Charles Ollivon
8. Gregory Alldritt
9. Baptiste Serin
10. Romain Ntamack
11. Alivereti Raka
12. Sofiane Guitoune
13. Virimi Vakatawa
14. Damian Penaud
15. Maxime Medard
16. Guilhem Guirado
17. Cyril Baille
18. Emerick Setiano
19. Bernanrd Le Roux
20. Yacouba Camara
21. Antoine Dupont
22. Camille Lopez
23. Pierre-Louis Barassi.