Television Tonga viewers in Tongatapu and part of 'Eua will be able to watch the 'Ikale Tahi/England Rugby World Cup match free on Saturday morning, September 29.

Katalina Tohi, the Manager of Television Tonga, confirmed today that they have raised enough money to pay Sky Pacific Television for the right to broadcast the game live, at 8:00am on Saturday, Tongan time.

Among those who made financial contributions to show the game on Saturday, were Falamoe Fau'ese Weber and her family, in Germany.

Prior the beginning of the World Cup, it was public knowledge that only subscribers to Sky Television would be able to watch the World Cup, but Falamoe was one of those people who have faith in the 'Ikale Tahi and wanted the Tongan public to see the 'Ikale Tahi play. She has been a major sponsor of the first 'Ikale Tahi game live and a replay of the Samoa and the Springboks game.

The Chinese Ambassador in Tonga HE Mr Hu Yeshun also made a contribution of $1,000 to Katalina yesterday.

 

Meanwhile, fund raising by the Tonga Rugby Union to reimburse some of the players for the amount they have spent on their travel expenses to France for the World Cup, has been very successful since it was launched yesterday. Today, the ANZ made a $10,000 donation, the Royco Group of companies donated $5,000, and Nishi Trading $500.

The 'Ikale Tahi team for Saturday - 15-Vunga Lilo, 14-Tevita Tu'ifua, 13-Suka Hufanga, 12-Epeli Taione, 11-Sefa Vaka, 10-Pierre Hola, 9-Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu, 8-Finau Maka, 7-Nili Latu (captain), 6-Hale T-Pole, 5-Lisiate Fa'aoso, 4-Viliami Vaki, 3-Kisi Pulu, 2-Aleki Lutui, 1-Soane Tonga'uiha. Reserves: 16-Ephraim Taukafa, 17-Taufa'ao Filise, 18-Maama Molitika, 19-Inoke Afeaki, 20-Soane Havea, 21-Huson Tonga'uiha, 22-Aisea Havili.

But before the kick-off on Saturday morning, the 'Ikale Tahi is confident that they have the ability to make history on Saturday.

The Captain Nili Latu told reporters in France:

"We've got the best team we've ever had and have done really well. We haven't got the greatest facilities or equipment in Tonga, but we've shown here that you don't always need that.

"We're a tight group and we respect each other. And we're not playing just for us, we're playing for the people of Tonga.

"People underestimated us but we believed we were good enough to get to the quarter-finals. We're one step away from that now.

"It's the biggest game in our history.

"We don't want to be going home next week. England is a one-off match and the losers won't get another chance to put it right," said Nili.

'Epeli Taione reminded the media that Tonga way back in 1973 shook the rugby world when it beat the Wallabies.

"We had a big moment in 1973 but no one was around," Epeli Taione joked.

"This is going to be our biggest moment, for all Tongan sporting history.

"I know that everyone will be cheering for us, Scotland, Wales, every country ... even Iraq.

"It's just a massive game, we've got nothing to lose so we're going to give it our best shot."