'Ikale Tahi RWC team to be named on August 14 [1]
Friday, August 3, 2007 - 18:09. Updated on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 11:43.
The 'Ikale Tahi 30-member team for the Rugby World Cup will be announced on August 14, Joe Fifita, the media liaison officer of Tonga Rugby Union confirmed today.
However, it is understood the TRU is also saying that the training squad will leave Tonga for Auckland on August 11. Then the full 30-man 'Ikale Tahi RWC team will be announced on August 14 before they meet an Auckland A side for their first warm-up game.
The 'Ikale Tahi is scheduled to depart New Zealand for the United Kingdom on August 18 where they will have their second warm-up game against Sale on August 24.
On September 2 the 'Ikale Tahi squad will go to Paris, France, for the commencement of the Rugby World Cup. The 'Ikale Tahi in Pool A will play against England, South Africa, the Manu Samoa, and the American Eagles. The 'Ikale Tahi World Cup schedule is: American Eagles September 12, Manu Samoa September 16, Springboks September 22, and England September 28.
While the coach, the team management and the players are preparing for the battle ahead in France, the TRU officials and ex-officials are embroiled in a feud that has resulted in a Supreme Court Order to be served on the TRU's CEO Siosaia Fonua. Chief Justice A. Ford ordered that the President of the Tonga Rugby Football Union, Baron Vaea was authorized and directed to convene the Annual General Meeting of the Union which, in terms of the Union's Constitution and Rules should have been convened prior to 31 December 2006.The AGM is to be held on or before Friday, August 24.
Squad camp
The 'Ikale Tahi 40-man Squad announced on July 18 have been in camp since July 19.
Props
1. Toma Toke, Tonga
2. Mosese Moala, France
3. Taufa'ao Filise, England
4. Tevita Taumoepeau, England
5. Soane Tonga'uiha, England
6. Sateki Mata'u, Tonga
Hookers
7. Ephraim Taukafa, England
8. 'Aleki Lutui, England
9. Feki Moala, Tonga
Locks
10. Paino Hehea, France
11. 'Inoke Afeaki, France
12. Lisiate Fa'aoso, New Zealand
13. Sione Kalamafoni, Tonga
14. 'Emosi Kauhenga, Japan
Flankers
15. 'Otenili Langilangi, ('Otenili Latu) New Zealand
16. Hale Pole, New Zealand
17. Finau Maka, France
18. Viliami Vaki, France
19. Chris Hala'ufia, England
No. 8s
20. Samiu Vahafolau, France
21. Lotu Filipine, Japan
Halfbacks
22. Soane Havea, Tonga
23. 'Enele Taufa, Tonga
24. Sikuti Vunipola, Australia
Flyhalf
25. Pierre Hola, Japan
26. Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, Tonga
27. Tevita Tu'ifua, New Zealand
28. Movete 'Oto'ota, Tonga
Inside Centres
29. 'Epeli Taione, Australia
30. Kaiongo Tupou, Tonga
Centres
31. Hudson Tonga'uiha, Tonga
32. Suka Hufanga, France
33. Siua Taumalolo, Engaland
Wingers
34. Sam Satui, Australia
35. Ualosi Kailea, Tonga
36. Seti Kiole, New Zealand
37. 'Aisea Havili, England
38. Viliami Hakalo, France
Fullbacks
39. Vunga Lilo, Tonga
40. Sione Tu'ipulotu, Japan