Tonga coach Kefu reveals his hand for Bok clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga coach Toutai Kefu has made three changes to the starting line-up to play South Africa in the Pacific Islanders’ third World Cup Pool B match in Marseille on Sunday.
Semisi Paea starts at No.8 in place of the suspended Vaea Fifita, following his four-match ban for a high tackle.
Anzelo Tuitavuki will make his World Cup debut on the left wing, with Fine Inisi starting on the right in the two other changes.
Former All Black backline players Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Augustine Pulu all start while former Wallaby forward Adam Coleman is named on the bench.
Ben Tameifuna skippers the side from tighthead prop.
Tonga kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 16-59 defeat by Ireland before losing to Scotland, 17-45, last week.
After taking on champions the Springboks, the Tongans round off their pool campaign against Romania in Lille on October 8.
Kefu has called up a fourth replacement to the 33-man squad, summoning Sione Anga’aelangi for the injured hooker Siua Maile.
Tonga: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Fine Inisi, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Anzelo Tuitavuki, 10 William Havili, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Paea, 7 Sione Talitui, 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Halaleva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna (captain), 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Replacements: 16 Sam Moli, 17 Tau Koloamatangi, 18 Sosefo Apikotoa, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Sione Vailanu, 21 Sonatane Takulua, 22 Patrick Pellegrini, 23 Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Date: Sunday, October 1
Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille
Kick-off: 21.00 (19.00 GMT; 21.00 SAST; October 2, 08.00 TOT)
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England) & Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
