‘Ikale Tahi ready for USA match Nov 19 [1]
Thursday, November 17, 2016 - 21:18
Telusa Veainu at fullback is the only change that Toutai Kefu, the ‘Ikale Tahi coach, has made to the team that will play against the USA on Saturday, 19 November at Estadio Anoeta, San Sebastian, Spain.
The rest of the team that beat Spain 28-13 in Madrid on 12 November remains intact, excepting for the reshuffling of the fullback. Telusa starts as fullback and David Halaifonua is on Reserve.
The ‘Ikale Tahi:
- Loose Head - Tevita Mailau – Felemea (Hp) and ‘Otea (Vv)
- Hooker - Paula Ngauamo – Vaini, Kolomotu’a, Fasi and Kolofo’ou (Tt)
- Tight Head - Siua Halanukonuka – Hoi (Tt)
- Lock - Steve Mafi – ‘Ahau and Kolovai (Tt)
- Lock - Joe Tu'ineau – Fasi-mo e-afi (Tt)
- Blindside - Dan Faleafa – Kolomotu’a and Kolovai (Tt)
- Openside - Jack Ram – Ha’ateiho (Tt)
- No. 8 - Tevita Koloamatangi – Ha’avakatolo (Tt)
- Scrum Half - Sonatane Takulua – Lapaha, Ma’ufanga (Tt) & Niuatoputapu
- Outside Half - Kali Hala – Malapo (Tt)
- Wing - Fetu'u Vainikolo – Ha’alalo (Tt)
- Centre - Latiume Fosita – Haveluloto and Felemea (Hp)
- Centre - Siale Piutau (Captain) – Kolofo’ou and Folaha (Tt)
- Wing - Nafi Tu’itavake – Kolofo’ou and Malapo (Tt)
- Fullback – Telusa Veainu – Matahau and Longolongo (Tt)
Reserves
16. Front Row - Elvis Taione – Kolomotu’a (Tt) and Ha’akio (Vv)
17. Front Row – Paea Fa’anunu – Leimatu’a (Vv)
18. Front Row – Sila Puafisi – Ha’ateiho (Tt) & Longomapu (Vv)
19. Valentino Mapapalangi – Holonga and Ha’alalo (Tt)
20. Kotoni Ale – Vaimalo (Vv) and Ha’asini (Tt)
21. Tomasi Palu – ‘Utui (Vv) and Tungua (Hp)
22. Tevita Taufu’i – Lofanga (Hp) and Mataika (Vv)
23. David Halaifonua – Fatumu and Tukulalo (Tt) and Houma (Vv).
In announcing the team for the second game of the ‘Ikale Tahi on their 2016 European Tour, Toutai appeared to be happy with how the team is binding together. He admitted that there were a number of errors in their first game against Spain, but he said that they had fixed their shortfalls and are ready to meet the USA.
Toutai is well aware that the USA have an all-round team but he is confident that the ‘Ikale Tahi is ready for Saturday.
The ‘Ikale Tahi's final game of their 2016 European Tour will be against Italy at the Stadio Euganeo, Padova, Italy on 26 November.