‘Ikale Tahi will play Australia’s Western Force rugby team in Tonga on Saturday.
Saturday’s game will be the first time the two sides have met.
‘Ikale Tahi fans who have only seen the team play at home a few times in the past 10 years.
Coach Toutai Kefu said the game was a chance for the team to reconnect with home fans.
“Hopefully we can have a win and they can see us off on a positive note towards the World Cup,” Kefu told Radio New Zealand.
“That is the main reason why we are doing it. Just to give something back to our supporters and our fans in Tonga.”
The contest will provide the Tongan side more experience on the field before the Rugby World Cup in September.
The Western Force have two Tongan players on the team, winger Halauafa Lavaka and hooker Feleti Kaitu’u.
Halauafa’s mother is from Navutoka and Ovaka, and his father is from Tefisi and Leimatu’a. Feleti’s family is from Ha’apai and Kolomotu’a.
The game kicks off at 3pm at Teufaiva Stadium.
Opposition
The Tongan team has faced stiff opposition in recent games.
They lost 25-17 to Samoa on July 27 and 41-7 to Japan on August 3.
However, they finished the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup with a 33-23 win over Canada at Churchill Park in Fiji.
‘Ikale Tahi will fly to New Zealand to play the All Blacks in their final pre-world Cup Test in Hamilton on September 7.
The main points
- ‘Ikale Tahi will play Australia’s Western Force rugby team in Tonga on Saturday.
- Saturday’s game will be the first time the two sides have met.
For more information
Western Force en route to Tonga ahead of Ikale Tahi clash
Rare home game for ‘Ikale Tahi
