Ikale Tahi

Tonga scored seven tries in total in the game against Romania, with winger Solomone Kata claiming a double, one in each half.

They also dedicated the win to their fans and families.

Kefu, who has been at the helm for the Tongans since 2016, told the media at the post-match press conference it was an emotional game for him and the players, adding he was pleased for the team.

He hoped the momentum could continue and that more was done to help Tonga and other Tier-2 teams to get more game time together.

The Ikale Tahi swept into a 21-3 lead after winger Solomone Kata collected an offload from Salesi Piutau for the opening try, ex-All Blacks centre George Moala went over and winger Afusipa Taumoepeau added a third after Alin Conache’s penalty for Romania.

But the Oaks came back with two tries before the interval from flanker Cristi Boboc and scrum-half Florin Surugiu, the second with Tonga a man down after second-row Halaleva Fifita’s yellow card.

Defending World Cup champions South Africa, current world No.1 Ireland, world No.5 Scotland and Romania make up the pool.

Coach, Toutai Kefu has described it as a pool of death.

But he believes the team can cause upsets if they click on the day.

Tonga has competed in every Rugby World Cup since the first one in 1987, except for 1991 when they failed to qualify.

Their best performances were in 2007 and 2011.

In 2007 they finished third in their pool behind England and South Africa after wins over Samoa and the United States.

Kefu said “Come down for the game, our second test versus Canada. So come down please and support the Ikale Tahi as they gear up for the Rugby World Cup.”

Kefu has also named seven debutants in his line- up for the game.

The debutants are Sione Tupou, John Ika, Paula Latu, Vutulongo Puloka, Christopher Hala’ufia, Feleti Inoke and Tasi Feke.

Tonga will be taking on Canada at 3pm (local time) this afternoon.

IKALE TAHI SQUAD:

Forwards:

Tongan head coach Toutai Kefu says he has a fair idea of who he will take to France but has to see some players whose fitness is fifty-fifty at the moment.

The two matches against Canada, on Thursday and Tuesday, will be the last opportunity for players to impress.

The Tonga Rugby Union expects to announce the 33-member squad for the World Cup next Wednesday.

He reached the landmark against Japan in Osaka last Saturday.

Takulua is also the third highest points-scorer for Tonga with 254 points, behind Kurt Morath with 340 points and Pierre Hola who notched 322 points during his career.

The veteran halfback will lead Tonga again on Saturday against Manu Samoa at Apia Park.

"It's a match between Fiji and Tonga, it's always a physical match and we understand we are playing against a very good team and we look forward to the challenge," Raiwalui said.

Kefu said Fiji will be tough at home and believes his men will need to be switched on from the kick-off.

"It's going to be tough and physical. Fiji will be on fire and we just have to turn up and do what we have been practising," the former Wallaby said.

"We have named a team we believe can do the job."

This was after the players arrived in the country last week ahead of their game against Australia A this Friday.

Players such as Malakai Fekitoa, Augustine Pulu, Manu Paea and Charles Piutau to name a few, were seen training with the side.

Young fans were also seen in numbers at the training session and they managed to take pictures with their favourite rugby players and also got their signed autographs.

 The upcoming match marks the anniversary of the 1973 'Ikale Tahi team that defeated the Wallabies in Brisbane.

The Tonga Rugby Union has posted up the tickets prices on their official Facebook page.

General Admission will cost $15.00.

Students turning up in their school uniform can purchase their ticket at $5.00 each.

TRU also confirmed that “Grand Stand - $30 pre-Game Sale and $40 at gate. VIP - $100.00.”

TRU said “The purpose of this game is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1973 'Ikale Tahi team that beat the Wallabies in Brisbane 16-11 and will play an integral part of our team's preparation for France.”

Foley was a surprise omission from the Rugby Championship squad, having returned from Japan to join the group in Sydney.

The Japan Rugby League One’s leading scorer will potentially reunite with former Waratahs teammate Jake Gordon in the halves.

They are two of 13 with Wallaby experience in the squad as players look to press their case for September’s World Cup.

This is especially evident in the forward pack, which includes the likes of Brumbies lock Cadeyrn Neville, returning Rebel Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Reds number eight Harry Wilson.