David Halaifonua will be back at fullback when the ‘Ikale Tahi meet the Azzurri (Italy) at the Stadio Euganeo, Padova, Italy, tomorrow Saturday, 26 November.

Toutai Kefu, the coach of the ‘Ikale Tahi via Skype on Thursday, 24 November said that David reclaimed his position as fullback, because Telusa Veainu is out with concussion. Cooper Vuna replaces David on the Reserve Bench.

As of yesterday, 24 November, Toutai had not finalised the selection of his team for Saturday; both the Captain Siale Piutau, at Centre, and Kali Hala, the Outside Half were still on his check list.

Toutai said that if Kali was not be able to make it, he would either give the Outside Half position to Cooper Vuna or move Latiume Fosita from Centre to Outside Half.

However, Toutai was optimistic that Siale and Kali would be ready to run onto the field on Saturday.

He deferred announcing the ‘Ikale Tahi team for Saturday from yesterday to today, 25 November.

As for what is his game-plan for Saturday. Toutai said that Saturday’s game is a challenge for the ‘Ikale Tahi, and the boys are well aware of what they will come up against on Saturday.

“Italy is a Tier I team. They have very experienced players, strong in set pieces and the lineouts.

“The real challenge for us is that no ‘Ikale Tahi team has been through Europe undefeated – this team wants to go through this 2016 European Tour undefeated.”

The ‘Ikale Tahi:

1. Loose Head - Tevita Mailau – Felemea (Hp) and ‘Otea (Vv)
2. Hooker - Paula Ngauamo – Vaini, Kolomotu’a, Fasi and Kolofo’ou (Tt)
3. Tight Head - Siua Halanukonuka – Hoi (Tt)
4. Lock - Steve Mafi – ‘Ahau and Kolovai (Tt)
5. Lock - Joe Tu'ineau – Fasi-mo e-afi (Tt)
6. Blindside - Dan Faleafa – Kolomotu’a and Kolovai (Tt)
7. Openside - Jack Ram – Ha’ateiho (Tt)
8. No. 8 - Tevita Koloamatangi – Ha’avakatolo (Tt)
9. Scrum Half - Sonatane Takulua – Lapaha, Ma’ufanga (Tt) & Niuatoputapu
10. Outside Half - Kali Hala – Malapo (Tt)
11. Wing - Fetu'u Vainikolo – Ha’alalo (Tt)
12. Centre - Latiume Fosita – Haveluloto (Tt) and Felemea (Hp)
13. Centre - Siale Piutau (Captain) – Kolofo’ou and Folaha (Tt)
14. Wing - Nafi Tu’itavake – Kolofo’ou and Malapo (Tt)
15. Fullback – David Halaifonua – Fatumu and Tukulalo (Tt) and Houma (Vv).

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 (Tt) 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).