The ‘Ikale Tahi will face Japan this Saturday 3 August, in Higashiōsaka, Japan, in the second round of the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup. Kick off time is 19:10pm in Japan (23:10pm Tonga time).
Japan’s Brave Blossoms seek to build up on their 34 - 21 big win over Fiji last week while the ‘Ikale Tahi seeks to redeem a 25 – 17 loss to Manu Samoa in a muddy Apia Park on 27 July.
In their game against Manu Samoa, the ‘Ikale Tahi led 17 – 13 in the 70th minute with three tries scored by Copper Vuna, Ben Tameifuna and Sosefo Sakalia before two tries were scored by Samoa.
‘Ikale Tahi Team List
15 Nafi Tuitavake
14 David Halaifonua
13 Mali Hingano
12 Cooper Vuna
11 Viliami Lolohea
10 James Faiva
9 Sami Fisilau
8 Sione Vailanu
7 Maama Vaipulu
6 Zane Kapeli
5 Sam Lousi
4 Leva Fifita
3 Ben Tameifuna
2 Elvis Taione (c)
1 Paea Faʻanunu
16 Sosefo Sakalia
17 Toma Taufa
18 Maʻafu Fia
19 Onehunga Havili
20 Siua Halanukonuka
21 Fotu Lokotui
22 Leon Fukofuka
23 Otumaka Mausia
Coach: Toutai Kefu
Brave Blossoms Team List
15 Will Tupou
14 Kotaro Matsushima
13 Timothy Lafaele
12 Ryoto Nakamura
11 Kenki Fukuoka
10 Yu Tamura
9 Kaito Shigeno
8 Amanaki Mafi
7 Lappies Labuschagné (c)
6 Kazuki Himeno
5 Luke Thompson
4 James Moore
3 Asaeli Ai Valu
2 Shota Horie
1 Keita Inagaki
16 Atsushi Sakate
17 Shogo Miura
18 Yusuke Kizu
19 Wimpie van der Walt
20 Michael Leitch
21 Yutaka Nagare
22 Rikiya Matsuda
23 Lomano Lemeki
Coach: New Zealand Jamie Joseph
