Tonga’s head coach Manakaetau ‘Ōtai has officially announced the team to clash with Georgia tomorrow Saturday 19 September in Gloucester.
Tonga have made six changes to the starting XV from their last warm-up game with Romania during their World Cup preparations.
Telusa Veainu has been named on the wing and Vunga Lilo will play at full-back at Kingsholm.
Viliami Ma’afu will start at No 8, Sione Kalamafoni moves to blindside flanker and Steve Mafi switches into the second row following the 21-16 victory over Romania in Bucharest on September 5.
Winger Fetu’u Vainikolo, who has moved to Oyonnax after a spell with Exeter, needs one try to become Tonga’s leading Test try-scorer with 15.
Elvis Taione, Tevita Mailau, Sitiveni Mafi, Sonatane Takulua and Telusa Veaninu will make their World Cup debuts when the mtach with Georgia will be kicked off at noon UK time, which will be midnight Saturday Tongan time.
The ‘Ikale Tahi team:
- Tevita Mailau
- Elvis Taione
- Halani Aulika
- Steve Mafi
- Tukulua Lokotui
- Sione Kalamafoni
- Nili Latu (Captain)
- Viliami Ma’afu (Vice Captain)
- Sonatane Takulua
- Kurt Morath
- Fetu’u Vainikolo
- Siale Piutau (Vice Captain)
- William Helu
- Telusa Veainu
- Vungakoto Lilo
- Paula Ngauamo
- Sona Taumalolo
- Sila Puafisi
- Hale T. Pole
- Jack Ram
- Samisoni Fisilau
- Latiume Fosita
- Sione Piukala.
