‘Ikale Tahi based in Tauranga before All Blacks game [1]
Thursday, June 3, 2021 - 20:19. Updated on Thursday, June 3, 2021 - 20:20.
By Eleanor Gee
The ‘Ikale Tahi team will be based in Tauranga for training before facing the All Blacks in Auckland on 3 July, confirmed head coach, Toutai Kefu today.
“We hope to announce the team by the weekend,” he told Matangi Tonga.
Most of the players selected will come from New Zealand’s ITM Cup squads.
However, with some players not being available, Toutai said it’s not a full strength ‘Ikale Tahi team.
The last time ‘Ikale Tahi faced the All Blacks was in 2019 in a warm up match before the Rugby World Cup that year, with Tonga losing 92 – 7.
The All-Blacks' game will be a massive challenge once again, said Toutai.
“We're fortunate to be playing a team of this calibre and there's no doubt that this for some players will be the biggest highlight in their careers.”
The test match between Tonga and New Zealand will kick off at 7:05pm on 3 July 2021 at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.