Tonga: the matches, the team and the player to follow at the Rugby World Cup

Qualified for the World Cup for the 9th time, the Tongans will probably not pass the group stage once again. With Scotland, Ireland and South Africa in the group, the case seems in any case compromised. They will still try to avoid last place by beating Romania. Especially since they have a revenge to take, their last confrontation having turned to the advantage of the Romanians.

The story

If all the players of Tongan origin had played under the colors of the national team, the Tongans could have touched prodigious results. New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu, for example, had Tongan roots, as did former Australian internationals Willy Ofahengaue and Toutai Kefu, now manager of that team.

Tonga team form

The Tonga are slowly climbing the slope. However, the fall had been dizzying after the 2019 World Cup in Japan. The Tongans had started with a terrible defeat against the All Blacks, 102-0, the worst in their history. This was followed by defeats against Samoa, the French Barbarians and, even, against Romania or Australia B. But since last season, Pita Ahki’s teammates seem to be on the mend. They first knocked down Spain, before moving on against Chile and Uruguay, with rather severe scores. The first preparation match for this World Cup, against the Australian reserve team, confirmed this rise in power with a victory (27-21), before two other successes against Canada. However, the level remains insufficient to get out of a group where Scotland, South Africa and Ireland will be tough.

Tonga match schedule

The list of 33

Pillars : Joe Apikotoa, Sigfried Fisi’ihoi, Feai Fotuaika, Tau Koloamatangi, Paula Latu, Ben Tameifuna.

Talonneurs : Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Paula Ngauamo.

Deuxièmes lignes : Adam Coleman, Vaea Fifita, Samiuela Lousi, Sitiveni Mafi, Samisi Paea.

Troisièmes lignes : Solomone Funaki, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Havili Talitui, Sione Vailanu.

Scrum-half: Manu Paea, Augustine Pulu, Sonatane Takulua.

Demis d’overture : William Havili, Otumaka Mausia.

Centers : Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, Pita Ahki, Afusipa Taumoepeau.

Forwards: Fini Inisi, Solomone Kata, Anzelo Tuituvaki, Charles Piutau, Kyren Taumoefolau.

Player to watch: Pita Ahki

Pita Ahki with Stade Toulousain in the Top 14 final won against La Rochelle on June 17. Icon Sport/Hugo Pfeiffer 2023 Icon Sport

Indisputable holder at Stade Toulouse, when his body spares him, Pita Ahki began by wearing the colors of New Zealand, in the under-20s and in rugby 7s, before becoming a Tongan international this year. He also played his first match on July 14 against the Australian reserve team, with a victory in the key. A true defensive regulator, capable of filling spaces but also of finding them in an offensive situation, the center is a real collective man. And his arrival in Tonga should allow them to take a new step.