RWC Preview: Tonga

A short look at Tonga's preparation, build up and squad for the tournament, as they look to repeat another major upset achieved in 2011.

Tonga are often the least talked about of the three Pacific Islands, but have been on some reasonably decent form over the past year.

The only match the Ikale Tahi have dropped this year vs Fiji in Suva was close, and could have been won but for poor goal kicking. Scrum was also poor that day as well, but has generally performed more solidly in the matches since.

After that Tonga came back from behind to overpower Canada, easily beat a weakened USA in a terrible match, then continued their hold on Japan for their fourth straight win over them.

Aside from the PNC, Tonga have not been that active in terms of warm ups. Playing just a late organised match with Nottingham in a more pre season type fixture, which they won easily, and then a test match with Romania which was very close and hard fought.

Nili Latu will lead a very old and
experienced World Cup squad.

There is masses of experience in this Tongan side, and a lot of very senior players like Nili Latu, Aleki Lutui, Hale T-Pole or Soane Tonga'uiha all 2007 World Cup veterans.

The age profile in the squad is the oldest in the tournament. Whether that will be an advantage or a disadvantage against very young Georgia and Argentina teams remains to be seen.

Against big sides, the set piece has often been found wanting in recent times. Scrum and lineout were big issues against Wales and Scotland in their last two matches against Tier 1 opponents.

Video: Tonga have faced lineout problems against stronger opposition, particularly

so against Scotland last November, but the return of Steve Mafi has been a big boost.

Although there does seem to have been some progress made on that front. Steve Mafi returning has been huge as a lineout option, with his height and speed of jump. In their last match against Romania it was their opponents who were suffering in the lineout, not them.

The scrum has done okay this year, if not fully convincing, especially over the 80 minutes when all four props will see action. They started off well against Romania last weekend, but it went downhill after the first 20 or so minutes.

If Tonga can get the basics of set piece, and goal kicking right, then they will be a rough, tough side to beat, even for Argentina. They don't have the big well known names Fiji have, but in the Tane Takulua's running threat and Fetu'u Vainikolo finishing threat, and ball carrying strength in the centres and back row they have enough to trouble sides.

GIF: Fetu'u Vainikolo has been a very efficient finisher on the wing for Tonga.

Whilst Samoa faced short turnarounds with their first choice lineup in 2011, Tonga tried resting players for Canada after playing New Zealand a few days earlier. It was very generous of them to play a full strength team for the opening match of the tournament, instead of making that match a farce, but it basically cost them a quarter final spot.

This time around they face a far easier opponent in Namibia, so may be afforded some more leeway in resting players for that one, ahead of the match with Argentina who they've never met in their entire history.

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Fixtures:
19/09 -  Georgia | Gloucester | Ref: Nigel Owens
29/09 -  Namibia | Exeter | Ref: Glen Jackson
04/10 -  Argentina | Leicester | Ref: Jaco Peyper
09/10 -  New Zealand | Newcastle | Ref: John Lacey

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Squad:
Loosehead Prop: Soane Tonga'uiha (Oyonnax) rarely plays for Tonga, but always seems to turn up for World Cups and has done again. Both he and Sona Taumalolo (Grenoble) are big characters well known to rugby fans who will battle for the loosehead spot. Tevita Mailau (Perpignan) will be the third choice who also covers both sides.

Hooker: Elvis Taione (Exeter) looks certain to be the first choice and has done several 70+ minute shifts this year, with Paul Ngauamo (Mont-de-Marsan) backing him up. The 37 year old Aleki Lutui (Ampthill) who retreats to lower league English rugby after the tournament also has made the squad, he made his debut way back in 1999.

Lutui takes the place of Sosefo Sakalia (CSM Bucuresti) who was used in the PNC. 

Tighthead Prop: Halani Aulika (London Irish) has established himself as first choice this year, and been on some solid form this summer. Sila Puafisi (Glasgow) is a bit of a drop off in level, but has been used regularly for Tonga recently.

Paea Fa'anunu of Castres last season, has failed to recover from injury, and recently been left clubless after failing a medical at Grenoble. Taione Vea (Newcastle) also has had injury issues, and didn't quite make the cut. Ben Tameifuna (Racing) talked of playing for Tonga last November, but decided to delay his decision, and in the end didn't make it.

Lock: Steve Mafi (Western Force) is a certainty for the XV, either at 4 or 6. Joe Tuineau (Dax) and Lua Lokotui (Béziers) both have huge experience and 69 years between them as the other options. Uili Kolo'ofai was a late call up to the 31.

Missing is Lisiate Fa'aoso, another member of the November squad who failed a medical the new club they were supposed to join this year in Racing, and now appears to be having legal action with them.

Back Row: Nili Latu (Newcastle) has consistently led the side inspirationally since returning from exile for protesting against the Union, and will lead them again as he approaches the latter end of his career. Sione Kalamafoni (Gloucester) will join him in the back row, after being rested in the PNC. Whilst Viliami Ma'afu (Oyonnax) has been the choice as number 8. Jack Ram (Blues) has also come into the squad well this season. Hale T-Pole still makes the squad now aged 36. Whilst giant Opeti Fonua (Leicester) has filled a specific role as impact sub for Tonga.

The back row is full of experience and options, the strongest area with most depth for Tonga. Viliami Fihaki (Sale) was unlucky to be cut. Ma'ama Vaipulu (Chiefs) made the November squad last year, but pulled out to focus on Super Rugby, and hasn't seemed to put himself forward for the squad this year.

Backs:
Scrum Half: Tane Takulua (Newcastle) darting round the fringes has been phenomenal for Tonga this year and is a player to watch. Samisoni Fisilau (Jersey) will be back up scrum half for a second World Cup. And the unknown Sosefo Ma'ake (Havelu Bulldogs) makes the squad as the only Tongan based player.

Taniela Moa (Pau) the portly, but talented scrum half, has been an important player for Tonga in the past but picked up a bad injury in the opening PNC match in Fiji.

Fly Half: Kurt Morath has regained the fly half shirt now, after Latiume Fosita (Doncaster) put in stinker of goal kicking performance in Fiji. Both have swapped the jersey throughout the past 12 months.

Centre: Sione Piukula (Perpignan) has become a regular in the Tongan team, alongside Siale Piutau (Yamaha Jubilo) who sat out the recent PNC, but he now faces a challenge in the team from Viliami Tahitu'a who did well in that tournament and earned a place in the 31.

Tahitu'a was selected above the giant Alipate Fatafehi (Colomiers). Whilst first choice in November Hemani Paea (Lyon) may have been possibly one of the unnamed three Mana Otai said was unavailable through club commitments.

Wing: Fetu'u Vainikolo (Oyonnax) has been a fine finisher and great player in Tongan colours, recently becoming their all time top try scorer, and is a certainty to start. Telusa Veainu (Melbourne Rebels) committed to Tonga before the PNC. David Halaifonua (Gloucester), a Brian Lima type hitter, has recovered from injury to make the squad. Will Helu (Edinburgh) also makes it despite not playing the PNC. All three of those have done well recently for Tonga and have strong claims to start alongside Vainikolo. Halaifonua and Veainu both cover full back, and Helu covers centre.

Full Back: Vunga Lilo (Montauban) seems to have been around forever, and offers a big physical presence at full back.