Ikale Tahi team to play France November 16 [1]
Friday, November 15, 2013 - 15:45. Updated on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - 14:04.
The Tonga Rugby Union has announced the 'Ikale Tahi team to play France in Le Havre, on Saturday 16 November, with the kick-off time at 18:00 in the Stade Oceane (Tonga time Sunday November 17, 2013 at 6:00am).
Gustaf Wolfgramm reports that there have been some changes from the team that played Romania, with Joe Tuineau replacing Uili Kolo‘ofa‘i at lock and Bayonne eighth man, ‘Opeti Fonua pushing Viliami Ma‘afu to the bench, and with the experienced Taniela Moa coming in for Thomas Palu.
Reserves will include Hale T. Pole and ‘Ilaisa Maasi who were not on the team last week, taking the place of Suliasi Taufalele and Vili Faingaa.
“From the Squad there has been another change with the inclusion of Hemani Paea replacing Suka Hufanga (injury). Suka has been with the team since the beginning of the Camp in Gruissan and it's a big blow for the team. The French will miss him as he scored the winning try for Tonga against France at the last World Cup,” said Gustaf.
“Great chance for Hemani Paea from the Oyonnax Rugby from the French Top 14 to be in the red team again. He made his debut back in 2007 against Korea and that was his only test for Tonga.
“There is still hope for young Kolio Hifo from the Young Munster Rugby
Club in Ireland to make it to the Wales game next week.”
On November 11 Armistice Day in France the players and staff were invited by the Maire of Le Havre and old soldiers to celebrate this special day for millions of French.
The 'Ikale Tahi official team to play France at
Stade Oceane, Le Havre, 16 November 2013, 1800hours (Tonga time Sunday November 17, 2013 at 6:00am).
- Alisona Taumalolo. Prop
- Elvis Taione, Hooker
- Tevita Mailau, Prop
- Tukulua Lokotui, Lock
- Joe Tu‘ineau, Lock
- Sione Kalamafoni, Flanker
- Nili Latu (C), Flanker
- ‘Opeti Fonua, No 8
- Taniela Moa, Scrum Half
- Fangatapu ‘Apikotoa, Fly Half
- Will Helu, Winger
- Sione Piukala, Centre
- Siale Piutau, Centre
- Fetu‘u Vainikolo, Wing
- Vungakoto Lilo, Full Back
Substitutes
Front Row
16 ‘Ilaisa Ma‘asi
17 Taione Vea
18 Sila Puafisi
19 Viliami Ma‘afu
20 Hale T Pole
21 Samisoni Fisilau
22 Latiume Fosita
23 Tevita Halaifonua.