Planet Rugby

T-Pole starts for Tonga

21st November 2012 14:34

Hale T Pole

Starting for Tonga: Hale T-Pole

Tonga have made one change to the starting XV that beat the USA last weekend for Saturday's Test against Scotland at Pittodrie.

Northland flank Hale T-Pole replaces Leicester Tigers' Steve Mafi in the back row.

Uncapped Marist Tonga prop Kamaliele Sakalia is among the replacements with Perpignan strongman Kisi Pulu falling out of the matchday 23.

Former Glasgow Warriors number eight Viliami Ma'afu retains his place in the starting XV.

The 30-year-old, was released by Warriors in September, with Ma'fu citing personal reasons for his decision to depart Scotstoun as his place in the squad was taken by South African Josh Strauss.

Rugby Union betting odds

Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Fetu'u Vainakolo , 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Sione Piukala, 11 Viliami Helu, 10 Fangatapu Apikotoa, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Nili Latu (capt), 6 Hale T-Pole, 5 Lua Lokotui, 4 Joseph Tuineau, 3 Halani Aulika, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Ilaisa Ma'asi, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Kamaliele Sakalia, 19 Sitiveni Mafi, 20 Sione Timani, 21 Viliame 'longi, 22 Eddie Paea, 23 Alipate Fatafehi.

Date: Saturday 24 November
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15:00
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant referees: George Clancy (Ireland) and Marius Mitrea (Italy)
Television match official: Gareth Simmonds (Wales)

Comments

firepower says...

@sonsofsamoa good on you mate... exactly you guys got a very talented halves especially Kahn Fotuali'i. He was the best half-back in NZ when he played on the Crusaders. To be honest mate, I was totally surprised when he quit NZ rugby and the All Blacks to represent his country and I respected his decision and good on him. Samoa team is well-balanced, they got a very powerful forwards and backs as well but Tonga don't have a quality backs to work together with its powerful forwards. But anyways, my heart goes for my two island nations to beat France and Scotland. Nothing is impossible boys. Show them who's the top dog:).

GO IKALE TAHI!! GO MANUSAMOA!!

Posted 20:36 22nd November 2012

sonsofsamoa says...

Thanks guys.. Yeah well at least Tonga finally made the decision.. Samoa Rugby Union keep using excuses to cover why they don't want to select Schwalger (Age etc).. And yes swells07.. it's awesome to see depth in our team.. but I don't think it's been depth.. I just think it's been quality in the halves (Pisi and Fotuali'i) as well as the improvement in coaching.. As the Samoa have always had powerful forwards and classy backs but it was the half combination to combine the forwards and backs.. But many thanks for the wishes as well my island brothers.. Samoa and Tonga both have massive games this weekend!!.. Hopefully we can show them how we coconuts do it !!!.. All the best for Ikale Tahi and for the Manu Samoa this weekend ..ofa atu!

Posted 13:34 22nd November 2012

firepower says...

@sonsofsamoa because the people of Tonga desperate want him back asap that's why the old committee has been sacked for not allowing him to play on last year WC.... same incident as Mahonri Schwalger. Good luck Nili.

GO TONGA!! GO IKALE TAHI.

GO MANU SAMOA!!

Posted 00:46 22nd November 2012

swells07 says...

@sonsofsamoa yeah uso! he's back! he looked pretty good in their match against USA. so we will see how our 22 fair out against Scotland. great game to you guys against wales btw...i was more then overjoyed to see that scoreline. Samoa has got so much depth now...it's awesome to see! hopefully Tonga can keep building in the same direction the manu is going!

Posted 20:12 21st November 2012

sonsofsamoa says...

WHAT?!? Nili Latu is back?!? He's one of my all time favorite Tongan players!!.. Awesome news if true.. Someone please explain??

Posted 15:42 21st November 2012

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