The 'Ikale Tahi squad to play Hong Kong, the Asian Champ, at the RWC Qualifier at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, 23 July was announced today by Tonga Rugby Union.

This is the start of Tonga’s qualification battle for a place at Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. The winner of this match will secure qualification for RWC 2023 in Pool B.

The team that loses the match will still have one final chance at qualification in November 2022. 

The 'Ikale Tahi heads into this match winless from the 2022 World Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji.

World Rugby reported on 20 July that Hong Kong had a 23-21 win over Korea in the final of the Asia Rugby Championship 2022, earlier in the week.

This sets up this Asia/Pacific showdown with the 'Ikale Tahi.

"Matches against South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Romania in Pool B lie in wait for the winner and Tonga go into the match as favourites given they are five places higher than Hong Kong in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings [2] and have a rich Rugby World Cup pedigree. However, Hong Kong will believe anything is possible after what they have gone through."

'Ikale Tahi

1. Sigfried Fisi’ihoi
2. Siua Maile
3. Ben Tameifuna
4. Halaleva Fifita
5. Sam Lousi
6. Tanginoa Halaifonua
7. Solomone Funaki 
8. Sione Talitui
9. Sonatane Takulua (captain)
10. William Havili 
11. Anzelo Tu’itavuki
12. Fetuli Paea 
13. Afusipa Taumoepeau
14. Tima Fainga’anuku
15. Telusa Veainu

Reserves 

16. Samiuela Moli
17. David Lolohea 
18. Siate Tokolahi 
19. Semisi Paea 
20. Lopeti Timani 
21. Manu Paea 
22. James Faiva
23. ‘Otumaka Mausia