Tonga A off to Argentina in World Cup countdown [1]
Friday, September 17, 2010 - 16:41. Updated on Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 18:33.
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TONGA'S Rugby World Cup Campaign countdown has begun with the installation of a count-down board outside the office of the Tonga Rugby Union Authority.
The days are counting down to September 9, 2011, when the 'Ikale Tahi will play against the All Blacks in the opening game of the 2011 Rugby World Cup at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand.
The Minister responsible for rugby, Hon. Afu'alo Matoto announced that the government allocation to rugby this year alone could be as high as $500,000.
The Tonga government became involved in the running of Tongan Rugby when an Ordinance came into force on January 15 this year, and the main objective for the formation of the Tonga Rugby Authority is to "facilitate the preparation of the Tongan national rugby union representative team, known as the 'Ikaletahi, for the IRB's Rugby World cup competition sheculed to be held in New Zealad in 2011 . . ."
The authority has also announced a 31-members Tonga A team to represent Tonga at the Americas Rugby Championship 2010 to be held in Cordoba, Argentina from October 5-15.
Tonga's invitation to the Americas Rugby Championship 2010 was announced by the IRB in early September, after the Championship, which began last year.
The IRB stated that the decision to invite A teams to participate in the Championship was part of the IRB'S global drive, "to provide Targeted High Performance Unions with access to an expanded high-level competition calendar.
"Tonga has been invited to participate in the tournament this year in order to provide the Union with much needed additional international fixtures as they work towards the opening game of Rugby World Cup RWC 2011 against the All Blacks. They will provide stern opposition for USA Select XV, Canada Select and the Jaguars, whose players don't normally get a opportunity to test themselves against the mighty Pacific Islanders," said the IRB Head of Development and Performance Mark Egan.
Match Schedule
Day 1: Tuesday October 5,2010
USA vs TONGA
Argentina vs Canada
Day 2: Sunday October 10 ,2010
Canada vs Tonga
Argentina vs USA
Day 3 : Saturday October 16 ,2010
Canada vs USA
Argentina vs Tonga
Tonga A Squad South American Tour 2010
1. Johanssi Pataleone Vi, Hooker
2. Kamaliele Sakalia, Hooker
3. Viliami Vatamaki Pola, Prop
4. 'Amoni Nikolasi Vea, Prop
5. Toma Toke, Prop
6. Makoni Finau, Prop
7. Soane Patita LedgervProp
8. Taumei Hikila, Lock
9. 'Akameta O Mitia Fe'ao, Lock
10. Samisoni Laina Katoa, Lock
11. Paea I Laulea Siulangapo, Loose Forward
12. Paula Fala Kata, Loose Forward
13. Rutikha Ngaluea Sevenson 'Ilolahia, Loose Forward
14. Matini Tupou, No. 8
15. Sione Atu Fisiliu VaioletivNo. 8
16. Thomas Palu, Halfback
17. Soane Havea, Halfback
18. Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, First Five Eight
19. Mahe Fangupo, First Five Eight
20. Charles T L Maka MateovCentre
21. Damien Alfonzo Tevita Fakafanua, Centre
22. Michael Toloke, Wing
23. Tatafu Na'aniumotu, Wing
24. 'Etueni Siua, Wing
25. Fine Vea Mesui Lemoto, Fullback
26) Viliami 'Ahofono Hakalo, Fullback
27. Kuli Ha'apai Tonga, Loose Forward
28. Sione Fale Ki Vaiomounga, Hooker
29. Patrick Makaafi, First Five Eight
30. Maamaloa Teuaki Folau Kuluka, Halfback
31. Talite Vaioleti, Lock
Management
Sione Tupoumalohi Latu, Manager
Feletiliki T Fa'otusia, Head Coach
John Gregory McKee, Technical Advisor
Isitolo Maka, Assistant Coach
Sateki Tu'ipulotu, Assistant Coach
Samuel James Pervan, Trainer
Timothy Gray, Physiotherapist