Tonga in Scotland
Tonga, who lost 48-19 to Ireland A at Ravenhill last Friday, this week play Scotland A at Netherdale in Galashiels on the Scottish Borders.
The Ikale Tahi’s coach Isitolo Maka has made several changes to the team beaten in Belfast. Both wings are changed, as well as the hooker and the loosehead. There are also four changes on the bench.
For Scotland A Hugo Southwell of the big left boot plays in the unusual position of flyhalf
coach Sean Lineen said: “we’ve picked Hugo to start at stand-off because we believe he will do a good job for us there – he is a quality player with lots of experience who has been regularly operating as first receiver on attack for Stade Français this season.
“We believe we have picked a strong squad to face a competitive Tonga side, who will be physical and skilful.
“Andy Robinson will be attending the match at Netherdale and the players realise that this is an ideal opportunity to showcase their skills in a bid to earn selection for Scotland’s Test match against Argentina at Murrayfield next Saturday.
“We are looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd at Netherdale and continuing on from the team’s last achievement which was to win the Nations Cup in June.”
Teams:
Scotland A: 15 Jim Thompson (Edinburgh), 14 Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors), 13 Ben Cairns (Edinburgh), 12 John Houston (Edinburgh), 11 Nikki Walker (Ospreys), 10 Hugo Southwell (Stade Français), 9 Rory Lawson (captain, Gloucester), 8 Allister Hogg (Edinburgh), 7 Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh), 6 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors), 5 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors), 4 Scott MacLeod (Edinburgh), 3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), 2 Scott Lawson (Gloucester), 1 Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors)
Replacements: Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh), Ed Kalman (Glasgow Warriors), Craig Hamilton (Edinburgh), Roddy Grant (Edinburgh), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors), Mark Robertson (Edinburgh).
Coach: Sean Lineen
Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Filimone Lilo, 14 Pierre Hola, 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Joseph Vaka, 11 Manu Ahota’e’iloa, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Kilifi Fangupo, 8 Samiu Vahafolau, 7 Uelenitoni Fono, 6 Seti Filo, 5 Emosi Kauhenga, 4 Kelekolio Paino Hehea (captain), 3 Mosese Moala, 2 Willam Mosaati Hafu, 1 Po’alo’i Taula
Replacements: 16 Sione Vaiomounga, 17 Penisimani Fakalelu, 18 Lisiate Faaoso, 19 Opeti Fonua, 20 Mahe Fangupo, 21 Alipate Fatafehi, 22 Samiuela Satui
Coach: Isitolo Maka
Date: Friday, 20 November 2009
Kick-off: 19.30 (local time)
Venue: Netherdale, Galashiels
Expected weather conditions: 30% chance of rain clearing in the evening with a high of 13°C, dropping to 6°C and a cold westerly wind.
Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Iain Heard (Scotland), Ronnie Dumma (Scotland)
Assessor: Tappe Henning (South Africa)
