Kefu tweaks Tonga team

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While some coaches have made full use of their 31-man squads, Toutai Kefu makes only two changes to the starting line-up to face France. Picture: WORLD RUGBY

TOKYO, 4 Oct – Tonga coach Toutai Kefu has again opted for a largely settled starting XV for the Sea Eagles’ Pool C match against France on Sunday.

Tight-head prop Ma’afu Fia will bring a little more mobility. He replaces Ben Tameifuna – the weightiest player in the tournament at 151kg – who started Tonga’s previous two matches.

Cooper Vuna is rewarded for his performance against Argentina on 28 September. Vuna came off the bench and made a brilliant backhanded pass to Telusa Veainu for Tonga’s dazzling second try. He comes in at right-wing to replace Viliami Lolohea.

Nasi Manu, who overcame testicular cancer to make the Sea Eagles squad, has returned to the bench after he withdrew late before the match against Argentina due to a sore hip.

Tonga may be able to profit from some insider knowledge. Six of their match-day squad played their club rugby in France last season: Malietoa Hingano (Aviron Bayonnais), Sitiveni Mafi, Maama Vaipulu (both Castres), Leva Fifita (Grenoble), Paula Ngauamo (Agen) and Siegfried Fisiihoi (Stade Francais).

Les Bleus, in turn, will want to keep an eye on Tonga scrum-half Sonatane Takulua, who has registered points in each of the 22 test appearances he has made since Rugby World Cup 2015.

Tonga

1. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi
2. Paula Ngauamo
3. Ma’afu Fia
4. Sam Lousi
5. Halaleva Fifita
6. Sione Kalamafoni
7. Zane Kapeli
8. Maama Vaipulu
9. Sonatane Takulua
10. James Faiva
11. David Halaifonua
12. Siale Piutau (capt.)
13. Malietoa Hingano
14. Cooper Vuna
15. Telusa Veainu

16. Sosefo Sakalia
17. Vunipola Fifita
18. Siua Halanukonuka
19. Sitiveni Mafi
20. Nasi Manu
21. Leon Fukofuka
22. Latiume Fosita
23. Atieli Pakalani