By Radio New Zealand
Tonga’s rugby union coach has named his squad for this weekend’s test against Samoa in Apia with only a handful of newcomers in the starting lineup.
The match on Saturday is the Ikale Tahi’s first this year as they build up towards the World Cup in Japan.
Coach Toutai Kefu says there have been a few injury concerns but he is feeling confident about the team he has put together for Saturday.
“We have put in a fair amount of work leading up to this and just tracking players and seeing where they are up to and seeing what players we’ve got available to us,” Toutai Kefu said.
This weekend’s test will see the emotional return of Number 8 Nasi Manu as captain.
Nasi is back after long road to recovery having undergone surgery for testicular cancer.
Departing Hurricanes lock Sam Lousi is one of four new caps in the Tongan squad, alongside Bayonne prop Toma Taufa, Tonga A first five James Faiva and Auckland midfielder Otumaka Mausia.
Toutai Kefu said the former New Zealand Warriors rugby league player, who also played for the Waratahs and will join Welsh club Scarlets next season, is a player he’s been chasing for a long time.
“I’m very excited to get everyone together especially seeing a lot of the [other] teams who have had weeks more preparation than us. So, it is good to finally get together,” Toutai Kefu said.
Tonga Squad for Samoa Test
1. Paea Fa’anunu 2. Elvis Taione 3. Ben Tameifuna 4. Leva Fifita 5. Sam Lousi (first cap) 6. Onehunga Havili 7. Maama Vaipulu 8. Nasi Manu (Captain) 9. Samisoni Fisilau 10. James Faiva (first cap) 11. Viliame Lolohea 12. Cooper Vuna 13. Malietoa Hingano (first cap) 14. Tevita Halaifonua 15. Nafi Tu’itavake
Reserves: 16. Sefo Sakalia 17. Toma Taufa(uncapped) 18. Ma’afu Fia 19. Zane Kapeli 20. Fotu Lokotui 21. Sione Vailanu 22. Leon fukofuka 23. ‘Otumaka Mausia (uncapped)
