Three debutants to start for 'Ikale Tahi Featured
7 June, 2018. Three debutants have been named to start for Tonga in Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup rugby test against Georgia.
Tighthead prop David Lolohea, number eight Nasi Manu and fullback Sione Fifita will make their test debut against the Lelos in Suva.
Veteran first five Kurt Morath will make his first appearance for the 'Ikale Tahi since the 2015 World Cup, while Racing 92 prop Ben Tameifuna has been included on the bench after being called into the squad as an injury replacement for Sione Lea.
"Get new players in and (it) gives them the opportunity to put their best foot forward," he said.
"It's part and parcel of the sport that we play, injuries, but I can definitely say with these new boys that have come in they've shown a lot of energy.
"For a lot of us boys that have been around the group for a long time it just gives us that motivation with these young boys coming through to keep pulling through and hopefully we can give a bit back to them and nurture them through."
Tonga squad:
1. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, 2. Paula Ngauamo, 3. David Lolohea, 4. Leva Fifita, 5. Joe Tu'ineau, 6. Dan Faleafa, 7. Fotu Lokotui, 8. Nasi Manu, 9. Sonatane Takulua, 10. Kurt Morath, 11. Penikolo Latu, 12. Siale Piutau (c), 13. Nafi Tu'itavake, 14. David Halaifonua, 15. Sione Fifita. Bench: 16. Sefo Sakalia, 17. David Feao, 18. Ben Tameifuna, 19. Valentino Mapapalangi, 20. Mike Faleafa, 21. Suke Tuumotooa, 22. Latiume Fosita, 23. Viliami Lolohea.
