Tonga’s double win over Spain and the United States in the last two weeks could have provided a spur to their target to crush the Italians this Saturday.
Tonga Rugby Union Chair Feʻao Vunipola said the team was “ready” and the preparation was “excellent”.
“They are just waiting for the kick off”, he said in Tongan.
The names of the 23 squad had been released today.
The Saturday’s match would be the final game for the ‘Ikaletahi’s three 2016 European Tour test matches.
They overwhelmed Spain 28-13 on November 12 and last week they defeated US Eagles by 20-17.
Meanwhile Italy captain Sergio Parisse will miss the home rugby test after being suspended for three weeks.
Parisse was found guilty by the French club leagues of involuntarily hitting an opponent’s face with his foot on Nov. 5 while playing for his Stade Francais club against Bordeaux, it has been reported.
Italy will play against Tonga in Padua at the Stadio Euganeo.
The ‘Ikaletahi squad:
| Tevita Mailau | loose head | Felemea (Hp) and ‘Otea (Vv) |
| Paula Ngauamo | hooker | Vaini, Kolomotu’a, Fasi & Kolofo’ou (Tt) |
| Siua Halanukonuka | tighthead | Hoi (Tt) |
| Steve Mafi | lock | ‘Ahau (Tt) & Kolovai (Tt) |
| Joe Tu’ineau | lock | Fasi-moe-afi (Tt) |
| Dan Faleafa | blindside | Kolomotu’a (Tt) & Kolovai (Tt) |
| Jack Ram | openside | Ha’ateiho (Tt) |
| Tevita Koloamatangi | no. 8 | Ha’avakatolo (Tt) |
| Sonatane Takulua | scrum half | Lapaha, Ma’ufanga (Tt) & Niuatoputapu |
| Kali Hala | outside half | Malapo (Tt) |
| Fetu’u Vainikolo | wing | Ha’alalo (Tt) |
| Latiume Fosita | centre | Haveluloto and Felemea (Hp) |
| Siale Piutau © | centre | Kolofo’ou and Folaha (Tt) |
| Nafi Tu’itavake | wing | Kolofo’ou (Tt) and Malapo (Tt) |
| David Halaifonua | fullback | Fatumu (Tt) and Tukulalo, Houma (Vv) |
| Elvis Taione | front row | Kolomotu’a and Ha’akio (Vv) |
| Paea Fa’anunu | front row | Leimatu’a (Vv) |
| Sila Puafisi | front row | Ha’ateiho (Tt) & Longomapu (Vv) |
| Valentino Mapapalangi | Holonga (Tt) and Ha’alalo (Tt) | |
| Kotoni Ale | Vaimalo (Vv) and Ha’asini (Tt) | |
| Tomasi Palu | Utui (Vv) and Tungua (Hp) | |
| Tevita Taufui | Lofanga (Hp) and Mataika (Vv) | |
| Cooper Vuna | Houma (Tt) |
