Ikale Tahi

Toni Pulu, Jimmy Tupou on Tonga radar

'Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu has selected six new caps in his squad for next month's Pacific Nations Cup, including former Highlanders captain Nasi Manu.

He said Pulu and Tupou were among a group of players who were also keen to be involved but their situation was complicated because their current Super Rugby deals expire in a couple of months.

"Those players haven't acquired a club yet when Super Rugby is finished so the scenario for them is they could still be playing Super Rugby next year so it's just that uncertainty for them," he said.

Six new caps in 'Ikale Tahi rugby squad

Former Highlanders captain Nasi Manu, who's now based at Italian side Treviso, adds depth to the loose forwards.

Narbonne prop David Feao - the son of former Tonga international Willie Feao - earns his first call-up, having previously represented Tonga Under 20s and Tonga A.

He's one of three new caps in the front row, alongside former Waratahs loosehead David Lolohea and ex Australian Schoolboys and Under 20s prop Vunipola Fifita.

'Ikale Tahi players slammed for poor attitude

The 'Ikale Tahi's four match winning run against the Brave Blossoms came to a thuddering halt in Toulouse as the Japanese ran in five unanswered tries.

Toutai Kefu said they missed too many tackles in a poor performance.

"I think our attitude probably wasn't right to start with," he said.

"We lacked a little bit of urgency around the ruck and if you don't have that it's 100 percent attitude and just mental aptitude, to be hungry enough to win the ball.

"So I think from our point of view that's the first thing we need to fix."

Tonga talk up chances in World Cup 'pool of death'

The Kingdom finished second to Fiji in the combined Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) standings over the past two years.

The Flying Fijians thrashed Manu Samoa 38-16 in Apia on Saturday to win the 2017 title, which qualified Tonga in the Oceania 2 berth into Pool C alongside England, France, Argentina and USA.

Toutai Kefu said it would give his team direction and something to plan towards over the next two years.

"I think in terms of our mindset it suits us to play the harder teams," he said.

Fiji beats Tonga on home ground to qualify for 2019 RWC

In a tight contest at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Ben Volavola kicked three penalties while Leone Nakarawa got an important try to seal the win for Fiji.

Both sides were locked at 3-all at half-time, according to Fiji Village.

Tonga took the lead early in the second half after Siegfried Fisiihoi crossed over Fiji’s tryline.

It took Fiji only two minutes to respond and Nakarawa scored Fiji’s only try in the 48th minute.

Fiji will be pooled with Australia, Wales and Georgia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

 

Fiji beats Tonga on home ground to qualify for 2019 RWC

In a tight contest at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Ben Volavola kicked three penalties while Leone Nakarawa got an important try to seal the win for Fiji.

Both sides were locked at 3-all at half-time, according to Fiji Village.

Tonga took the lead early in the second half after Siegfried Fisiihoi crossed over Fiji’s tryline.

It took Fiji only two minutes to respond and Nakarawa scored Fiji’s only try in the 48th minute.

Fiji will be pooled with Australia, Wales and Georgia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

 

Tonga v Fiji clash "like a final"

Tonga remain in the hunt for one of two automatic Rugby World Cup qualifying berths after beating Manu Samoa at Teufaiva Stadium last weekend.

Fiji are coming off impressive victories against Italy and Scotland in Suva and will seal top spot in Oceania, and a more favourable World Cup pool, with victory this afternoon.

But Toutai Kefu said the hosts are improving and won't be lacking in motivation.

McKee names powerful and experienced Flying Fijians side to take on Tonga

McKee has stressed how important this match would be for them and that they are expecting a very physical encounter with Tonga.

He says this match against Tonga is very important for them in terms of their Rugby World Cup qualification and to achieve their goal of finishing as Oceania No 1.

McKee says Tonga played very well in winning against Samoa last week which will give them a lot of confidence coming into this match and they will backed by a very loud local crowd.

Tonga make two changes for Flying Fijians clash

Jack Ram will start at openside flanker in place of former captain Nili Latu, who was forced to leave the tour due to a family emergency.

RNZI reports Tevita Taufu'i earns his first test start at second five, with captain Siale Piutau shifting to centre for Nafi Tu'itavake, who left the tour early for personal reasons.

Sione Tau will provide loose forward cover from the bench, with Kiti Taimani also elevated to the match-day 23.

'Ikale Tahi growing in confidence

McKee confident of beating Tonga

McKee says the Tongans will surely come out of their comfort zone to deny the Fijians a win.

He says they are really focusing on their team plan against the Ikale Tahi.

“We’re working on the clarity around their game plan and also some physical intensity in their training. We’ve got some specific place that we know will quite fit in their team,” he told FBC.

The match kicks off at 2pm in Tonga on Saturday.

The top two teams in the combine results of 2016 and 2017 PNC will qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.