Tonga

Fly-half Handre Pollard returning for his first game of Rugby World Cup 2023 in a completely overhauled backline.

 Deon Fourie starting his first test at hooker and Duan Vermuelen starting at openside flanker, with the versatile Grant Williams on the right-wing. 

The foreign ministers of both countries formalised the joint communiqué with a signing ceremony in New York.

It occurs as leaders from all over the world gather in New York for the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

Vietnam's foreign minister Bui Thanh Son says his government proposed cooperation in areas of trade and tourism.

Matangi Tonga reports it was held under the theme "Harnessing Climate Mobility for Adaptation and Resilience", on September 18 organised by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility.

Tonga's Foreign Affairs Minister Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu said there is a need for like-minded leaders to come together and call attention for urgent action to address climate-forced migration and displacement.

She said funding mechanisms needed strengthening to ensure that more resources are committed to support the most vulnerable.

The pressure was on Gregor Townsend’s side after losing their first game to South Africa and then seeing Ireland defeat the Boks on Saturday, a scenario that left them with no margin for error and in need of big victories from their remaining fixtures.

The Scots kept their composure, however, and showed their attacking quality to get themselves a foothold in the top-heavy pool B by recording a 45-17 win over Tonga, with their seven tries all scored by different players.

The meeting was opened on Wednesday and will end today.

A statement said “This year, it is hosted by the Government of Tonga, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pacific Community (SPC). It is the first in-person PHMM since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.”

“It will focus on rethinking human resources for health;, tackling the drivers of obesity, particularly for children and young people; advancing health information; digital transformation in the health sector; and strengthening health system resilience.”

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu named Siate Tokolahi and Patrick Pellegrini as replacements. Tokolahi will be one of six props in the Tongan squad. Pellegrini will back up first-choice No. 10 William Havili, whose older brother David is in the New Zealand squad.

Neither Fotuaika nor Mausia played in Tonga's 59-16 loss to Ireland on the weekend.

Tonga faces Scotland next in Nice and also will play defending champion South Africa and Romania in Pool B.

Ireland already put the tournament on notice in their first game, beating Romania 82-8.

The 'Ikale Tahi were ranked 15th.

Tonga's head coach had said when they meet Ireland, all he would demand from his players was a "whole-hearted performance".

Scotland and South Africa are also in pool B.

The first batch included protective gear, loud-hailers and chainsaws.

On behalf of the Japan Government, Kensaku Munenaga says the total assistance is worth $1-point-5-million US dollars.

Tonga prime minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni said the handover of equipment is a reflection of Japan and their people's commitment towards building resilience of Pacific communities.

Manu has been living in Auckland's Tamaki suburb since she arrived from Tonga a decade ago.

But with the high cost of living, she decided to create her own edible garden.

"With the rise in price of produce and meat, it's a lot especially with the [small] income that we have," she said.

"So the only other option to help with our living situation was to do my own gardening, grow my own veges so that we wouldn't be spending a lot of money on things that I can grow."

Malakai Fekitoa doesn't mind.

The New Zealand World Cup winner who jumped on the eligibility law changes to play for Tonga, his country of birth, said their late start has enlightened them on how teams have handled the opening weekend.

"(Waiting has been) good for us as we can see what's going on and have a feel how the competition is going before we get into our work,” he said.

And his impression? “Mixed performances, maybe nerves. A lot of teams did not want to lose so we've not seen them taking risks. The next round will be different.”