'On paper, that is probably the strongest team we have put together'
Tonga captain Nili Latu says he is expecting “big things” from the ‘Ikale Tahi at Rugby World Cup 2023 if the big-name players named in Wednesday’s 35-man training squad can gel together in time.
Tonga boss Toutai Kefu has named a star-studded 35-man squad for his team’s July fixtures in the run-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, a selection that includes former Wallabies lock Adam Coleman and Pita Ahki as the most recent players committed to becoming dual internationals.
Coleman, the 38-cap Wallaby, and former New Zealand 7s and U20 international Ahki, have switched their national allegiance and further strengthened a squad already benefitting from World Rugby’s new eligibility ruling.
Former All Blacks Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa, Augustine Pulu and George Moala and two ex-Wallabies in Israel Folau and Lopeti Timani have played for Tonga since the rule change that allows players to represent another country after a three-year absence from Test rugby.
“On paper, that is probably the strongest team we have put together,” said the former No.8, who led Tonga for the majority of his 48-cap career.
“We should be there around at the business end, in the top two in the pool, but the game isn’t played on paper.
“Adam and those boys have never been in that environment so it will be interesting to see how quickly they come together especially with the time they have leading into the World Cup.
“We’ll get a good look at them through the PNC, which is coming up next month (a series of games against Fiji, Samoa and Japan).
“We’ve all seen them play for previous countries, New Zealand or Australia, so they bring a lot of experience and knowledge,” Latu added.
“If you look at that backline, it is really stacked and our forward pack as well is looking really good. But it is one thing to look good and it is another to put a complete performance together with a new team.”
Coleman’s late father captained Tonga’s rugby team in 1983 while cousin Inoke Afeaki played in the 1995, 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups for Tonga. Ahki, meanwhile, was a Tonga U20 international before being capped by Australia so both have a strong connection.
Auckland-based Latu, who is currently head coach to the Tonga’s women’s team, hopes that all the players brought into the fold see playing for the ‘Ikale Tahi as a badge of honour, not convenience.
“We go in with pure passion and emotion, just knowing who we are, and what we can add as players to a small country. We are not just playing rugby, we are advertising our country on the biggest stage,” he said, emphasising what it means to play for Tonga.
“Whatever we put our minds and heart to, we can do it. But if we don’t align ourselves together, and not everyone is on the same page, we are own worst enemy.
“I hope the squad that they have assembled understand who we are as people and are not just playing for Tonga because the jersey has been given to them.
“I am a big believer that you have to value the jersey. It’s different to just, ‘I am going to the World Cup, I have ticked that off the bucket list’ I hope that is not the case with team going to the World Cup.”
Tonga, who are in Pool B with South Africa, Ireland, Scotland Romania, have never qualified for the quarter-final stages before but got mighty close, in 2011, when they caused one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history with victory against France.
Latu didn’t play in that tournament but experienced the Rugby World Cups on either side, in 2007 and 2015.
“I always back the boys and on our day we can turn any team over but, for me, the PNC will let us know where they are as a team,” he asserted.
“Time is never on our side but I know the coaches and the staff behind the scenes have already put plans together for this campaign.
“When you at the team everybody brings something different as individual players, they are so good, It is now about putting the pieces together and everybody understanding the role they have to play. That is always the hardest part.”
“As a supporter and an ex-player, I am expecting big things with the squad they have.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Got a lot of over the top abuse from Crusader fans, in particular, who thought every 7 they had was miles better. Now we will see if anyone is better? Laid his body on the line every game so finishing early makes sense. A lot of life left after rugby.
1 Go to commentsA poor decision to appoint Carley as not only is Pearce a better referee but also importantly speaks French.
2 Go to commentsHe is 100 % on the mark. Malicious arrogance with a lack of respect for the other teams mostly the south. they must learn from True rugby nations like the Boks and Kiwis
115 Go to commentsThis Outiniqua boy has played sublime rugby and deserves a spot in BI LIONS team. Well played son
4 Go to commentsI don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
34 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
34 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
11 Go to commentsHiding coming up for Saders.
1 Go to commentsDagg really does go down some rabbit holes doesnt he? In the name I guess.
6 Go to commentsHey Brett I’m one who is looking forward to seeing JS back on the rugby field. I was under the impression that a large portion of his contract was via a third party so RA isn’t having to foot the bill My big concern is around the Tahs and what is happening there, why are so many players bailing. Is it the program, the coaches or the culture. Joe Schmidt recently said he had been at the Tahs all week and DC is a good coach. Something doesn’t gel , 10 front row forwards in a season that’s not bad luck
16 Go to commentsIncorrect title. He hasn’t said Furlong is one of the best scrummagers. He said he is one of the best props.
2 Go to comments“_It seems like a crazy thing that he was counting them_“ Are you stupid, mate? Anyone with more than half a brain understands that he meant “a lot” or something similar. Do you really think he was counting? “*Goode*: Told you, Jim!“ No, you banana. You said, explicitly, that the Irish players didn’t say what EE said they did. Even though you weren’t there. Even though you didn’t hear a word they said. M0r0n.
115 Go to commentsI am sure that Scott Robertson did do the courtesy of telling Sam Cane that he was not in his All Black plans and NZR would support him if he wished to sign a lucrative pension playing out his career in the cream puff rugby that is Japan’s Top League. I fail to see this as a negative as Israel Dagg is trying to spin it. Razor allowed Cane to leave with dignity rather than being unceremoniously dumped as was Buck Shelford.
6 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to comments