What an overhauled Tonga team could look like at the Pacific Nations Cup
For the first time since World Rugby’s new eligibility laws came into play, Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu will name an ‘Ikale Tahi squad this Friday.
The squad Kefu names will be tasked with competing against Fiji, Samoa and Australia A at the revived Pacific Nations Cup, before going on to face either Hong Kong, South Korea or Malaysia in a World Cup play-off match.
Just who makes the upcoming Tonga squad will be of significant interest given the freedom at Kefu’s disposal to pick a potentially world-beating team filled with former test stars, primarily from New Zealand and Australia.
While it remains to be seen exactly who will the make next ‘Ikale Tahi squad, here’s a look at a possible lineup that Tonga could name for their upcoming July fixtures.
1. Siegfried Fisiihoi
This spot in Tonga’s starting lineup may yet be taken by four-test All Blacks prop Atu Moli, who will become eligible for Tonga for this November’s test window if he isn’t picked by New Zealand before then. In the meantime, Pau prop Siegfired Fisiihoi is the frontrunner to retain his place as Tonga’s incumbent loosehead.
2. Paul Ngauamo
A member of the ‘Ikale Tahi since 2014, Castres hooker Paul Ngauamo should remain the starting hooker for Tonga, having held down the No 2 jersey in tests against Scotland, England and Romania last November.
3. Ben Tameifuna
Bordeaux prop Ben Tameifuna should continue to start at tighthead for Tonga, although one wonders whether Wallabies centurion Sekope Kepu will come into the fray when he become eligible for the ‘Ikale Tahi in mid-October.
4. Lopeti Timani
After 12 tests for the Wallabies between 2016 and 2017, Tongan-born utility forward Lopeti Timani switched his international allegience to Tonga via the old Olympic sevens loophole last year. The new Cardiff signing went on to make his test debut for the ‘Ikale Tahi against England last November.
5. Sam Lousi
Since committing to Tonga in the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup, Scarlets lock Sam Lousi has been a prominent figure for ‘Ikale Tahi. His starting role will soon be challenged when ex-Wallabies lock Adam Coleman becomes available for selection for the Novembers tests, though.
6. Samipeni Finau
One of numerous contenders who could start at blindside flanker, uncapped Chiefs loose forward Samipeni Finau earns selection at No 6 due to his form in Super Rugby Pacific. Moana Pasifika utility forward Sione Tuipulotu and Harlequins flanker Viliami Taulani could also come into consideration.
7. Colby Fainga’a
Called into the Wallabies squad last November, Lyon flanker Colby Fainga’a never made his test debut for Australia, and it’s unlikely he ever will under Rugby Australia’s new selection criteria for foreign-based players. As such, the younger brother of ex-Wallabies duo Saia and Anthony Fainga’a could debut for Tonga instead.
8. Lui Naeata
Similarly to Fainga’a, NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes Osaka No 8 Lui Naeata was a member of the Japan national squad last year but never debuted for the Brave Blossoms. An enormous figure at 1.93m and 118kg, the destructive 28-year-old could yet play for Japan, but would be a massive gain for his homeland of Tonga.
9. Sonatane Takulua
The inspirational ‘Ikale Tahi captain who has long been a member of the Tongan set-up, expect Toulon halfback Sonatane Takulua to retain his place in the No 9 jersey. Had he not won clearance from World Rugby to play for the All Blacks, Highlanders star Folau Fakatava may have been an outside chance to take Takulua’s spot.
10. James Faiva
Likewise, Petrarca first-five James Faiva’s experience should make him the odds-on favourite to resume his halves combination with Takulua. Saracens pivot Manu Vunipola is eligible, but it’s hard to see him committing to Tonga so early after having recently played age-grade rugby for England.
11. Tevita Li
A try-scoring machine since moving to Tokyo Sungoliath from Super Rugby, former Blues and Highlanders wing Tevita Li has been vocal in his desire to play for Tonga in recent months. With nine tries in eight League One matches this season, you’d have to imagine Li would be sought-after by the ‘Ikale Tahi. Crusaders star Leicester Fainga’anuku would be a strong challenger for this spot were he not a likely selection for the All Blacks.
12. George Moala
One of four former All Blacks included in this match day team, Clermont midfielder George Moala is eligible for the Tonga – who he represented at U20 level in 2010 – after having played the last of his four tests for New Zealand in 2016.
13. Malakai Fekitoa
Newly-signed Munster recruit Malakai Fekitoa is primed to link up with Moala in an all-All Blacks midfield after qualifying for Tonga via the Olympic sevens loophole last July.
14. Israel Folau
Among the most polarising figures in rugby, Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu star Israel Folau is set to revive his test career with Tonga after prematurely ending it with the Wallabies in 2018. Expect fireworks when Tonga play Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup.
15. Charles Piutau
Another former All Black whose test career came to an abrupt end when he ditched the New Zealand to sign a lucrative deal with Ulster in 2015, Bristol Bears star Charles Piutau is finally set to return to test rugby after seven long years.
Reserves
16. Siua Maile
Part of the Tongan national set-up since 2019, Siua Maile has developed as a first-class rugby player while turning out for the Hurricanes throughout Super Rugby Pacific this year.
17. Abraham Pole
Since achieving the rare feat of turning out for two franchises in the same Super Rugby season, Moana Pasifika youngster, and ex-Crusaders prop, Abraham Pole has caught the eye with his nose for the tryline this year.
18. Ma’afu Fia
Another long-serving Tongan international, Ospreys prop Ma’afu Fia, who has turned out for Bath as injury cover this season, ended last year’s test campaign as Tameifuna’s back-up at tighthead, and it’s hard to see why that would change heading into this year.
19. Steve Mafi
A veteran of the ‘Ikale Tahi, London Irish second rower Steve Mafi stands as an enticing selection for Tonga due to his experience.
20. Solomone Funaki
After debuting for Tonga against the All Blacks last year, Moana Pasifika openside flanker Solomone Funaki has impressed enough in his maiden Super Rugby Pacific to warrant a return to the ‘Ikale Tahi squad.
21. Augustine Pulu
Hino Red Dolphins halfback Augustine Pulu last played test rugby for the All Blacks in 2014, meaning he is free for Tonga selection immediately.
22. William Havili
The younger brother of All Blacks midfielder David Havili, Moana Pasifika fullback William Havili has taken to Super Rugby Pacific with aplomb, which has put him on Kefu’s radar as a first-five option.
23. Hosea Saumaki
A debutant for Tonga last year, Hosea Saumaki has been described as Leicester Tigers signing of the season after crossing for 10 tries in his first 12 appearances for the Premiership leaders. That kind of form is deserving of ‘Ikale Tahi selection.
Comments on RugbyPass
Anna, You are right, we need to have patience whilst the others catch up to England and France. Also it is the PWR that has been the game changer for England. the RFU put money into that initially at the expense of the Red Roses. I was sceptical at first but it has paid off in spades.
1 Go to commentsI think Matt Proctor became a 1 test AB in the same fixture. Cameron is quality and has been great this season, can’t believe’s he only 27. Realistically how would he not be selected for ABs squad this year. Only Dmac is ahead of him as a specialist 10. With Jordan out, it will come down to where and when Beauden Barrett slots back in, and where they want to play Ruben Love. Cameron seems an absolute lock in for the wider squad though. Added benefit of TJ-Cameron-Jordie combination at 9, 10, 11 too.
1 Go to commentsFarcical, to what end would someone want to pay to keep this thing going.
1 Go to commentsHavili, our best 12 by a mile, will be in the squad, if he stays fit. JB is the most overrated AB in the last 50 years.
61 Go to commentsWe had during the week twilight footy, twilight cricket, tw golf plus there was the athletics club. Then the weekend was rugby 15s plus the net ball, really busy club scene back then but so much has changed and rugby has suffered. And it was all about changing lifestyles.
6 Go to commentsIn the 70s and 80s my club ran 5 Senior sides plus a Vets. Now it is 2 sides with an occasional 3rd team. Players have difficulty getting to training now, not sure why and the commitment is not there. It seems to me more a problem of people applying themselves and not expecting to turn up and play whenever they want to.
6 Go to commentsROG’s contract is until 2027. The conversation about a successor to Galthie after RWC 2027 may be starting now. We can infer that Galthie’s reign stops then. He is throwing the Irish Coaching Job angle in because he is Irish. The next Irish coach MUST be Leo Cullen. As well as being the best coach available, coaching the vast majority of Irish Internationals week in week out, he has shown incredible skill at recruiting the best coaching staff for the job in hand. That was a failing in France. Cullen is a shrewd guy and if there is a need for foreign coaches underneath him he won’t hesitate. Rightly so. Ireland does need to start to bring Irish coaches through. Not just at the professional level but we need to train coaches to man new pathways for developing kids from schools/clubs up through the divisions.
8 Go to commentsNo Islam says it must rule where it stands Thus it is to be deleted from this planet Earth
18 Go to commentsThis team probably does not beat the ABs sadly Not sure if BPA will be available given his signing for Force but has to enter consideration. Very strong possibility of getting schooled by the AB props. Advantage AB. Rodda/Skelton would be a tasty locking combination - would love to see how they get on. Advantage Wallabies. Backrow a risk of getting out hustled and outmuscled by ABs. Will be interesting to see if the Blues feast on the Reds this weekend the way they did the Brumbies we are in big trouble at the breakdown. Great energy, running and defence but goalkicking/general kicking/passing quality in the halves bothers me enormously. SA may have won the World Cup for a lot of the tournament without a recognised goalkicker but Pollard in the final made a difference IMO. Injuries and retirements leave AB stocks a bit lighter but still stronger. 12 and 13 ABs shade it (Barret > Paisami, Ione = Ikitau, arguably) Interesting clash of styles on the wings - Corey Toole running around Caleb Clark and Caleb running over the top of Toole. Reece vs Koro probably the reverse. Pretty even IMO. 15s Kelleway = Love See advantage to ABs man for man, but we are not obviously getting slaughtered anywhere which makes a nice change. Think talent wise we are pretty even and if our cohesion and teamwork is better than the ABs then its just about doable.
11 Go to commentsCompletely agree. More friday night games would be a hit. RFU to make sure every club has a floodlit pitch. Club opens again Saturday to welcome touch / tag. Minis and youths on Sunday
6 Go to comments1.97m and 105Kg? Proportionately, probably skinnier than me at 1.82 and 82kilos. He won’t survive against the big guys at that weight.
55 Go to commentsThe value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
8 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
11 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
61 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
11 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
61 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
8 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
61 Go to comments