Ikaletahi Tonga name their team.

Situated in the cellar at the moment on the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup, the team from Tonga have nothing to lose as they line up for their final match.

Ikaletahi Tonga are yet to taste victory in the 09 season, things aren’t getting any easier for them as next in their sights is the red hot Junior All Blacks squad. The beauty though is that they have nothing to lose and can throw everything at them, the other main factor is that they will be the first team that can match the JAB's in the size department.

The Tongans are renowned for the physicality; this will be at the fore of what they dish up the JAB’s tomorrow in Suva-Fiji. The track is a little wet and this should tighten the game up a bit and make it more of a forwards battle, this aspect will suit the Tongans as for sheer body size and strength, they have it well covered.

To date no team except Samoa has stood up to the NZ side, in fact most defence has been like a roadwork’s man holding stop sign, the problem is the JAB’s haven’t bothered to read the sign as they power past. Tonga on the other hand an abundance of big units, that should create a little reminder in the JAB’s that things will be tougher in this rugby match.

Starting with inspirational captain Nili Latu, the Tongans have a heap of heart, they are severe underdogs for this match up, but the mere thought of it will have them flexing up with enthusiasm.

Men to watch out for in the Tongan side are Joseph Vaka & Vungakoto Lilo. Vaka has been a right old handful in every outing to date, he is built like a freight train and plays at centre, facing him will be Anthony Tuitavake and this alone will be worth the ticket price. Lilo is the last line of D for Tonga at full back, he is also the first line of attack, each time he gets a chance it is the fast forward button as he attacks.

It will be an interesting encounter which should see a new game strategy from the NZ side, they have run over everyone so far, but tomorrow with a big red road block in front of them one expects they will play a lot smarter and wider.

Tonga will not be short in courage, they will compete in the grafting department and tomorrows test will be a beauty. Kick off is at 3.10 local time in Suva.


The Tongan squad is:
1 Toma Toke 2 ‘Ilaisa Ma’asi 3 Po’alo’I Taula 4 Samiu Ika 5 ‘Emosi Kauhenga 6 Joshua Afu 7 Nili Latu 8 Teuimuli Kaufusi 9 Mahe Fangupo    10 Pierre Hola 11 Mateo Malupo 12 Alipate Fatafehi 13 Joseph Vaka 14 Tevita Halaifonua 15 Vungakoto Lilo 16 Viliami Ma’asi 17 Kisi Pulu    18 Sione Timani 19 Sosaia Palei 20 Fangatapu Apikotoa 21 Kaiongo Tupou 22 Foukimoana Katoa