Mafi in Tongan squad for PNC

Steve Mafi will play again for Tonga after all. The big Western Force lock has been included in head coach Mana Otai’s 31-man squad for the Pacific Nations Cup after skipping out on November’s European tour. Mafi had considered switching his allegiance to Australia using the Olympic loophole, but with World Rugby imposing more stringent requirements he will instead continue with the Ikale Tahi.

The group features an interesting mix from both north and southern hemisphere rugby, including five uncapped players. Former New Zealand u20 select Kalafi Pongi and Romanian-based Sefo Sakalia at hooker; scrumhalf Sefo Ma’ake, the only Tongan-based player in the squad; Melbourne Rising flyhalf Martin Naufahu; and Melbourne Rebels winger Telusa Veainu have all earned call-ups for the first time.

Props Halani Aulika and Soane Tonga’uiha return after a three year absence from test rugby, so too Colomiers battering ram Alipate Fatafehi, selected as a centre but also used at no8 over the past couple seasons in France. Iconic prop Sona Taumalolo and Newcastle lock Uili Kolo’ofai are back after two years away, both having spent much of the past season on the sideline.

Talisman flanker Nili Latu, who will join Kolo’ofai and scrumhalf Tane Takulua at Kingston Park after the World Cup, continues as captain and will be backed up by experienced Oyonnax no8 Vili Ma’afu. Leicester-bound powerhouse Opeti Fonua is also included, but there are a number of senior players absent whose status for the World Cup is unclear.

Gloucester trio Sione Kalamafoni, Tevita Halaifonua, and Aleki Lutui are notable absentees, along with Wasps winger Viliami Helu and London Welsh tighthead Taione Vea. Bayonne second row Lisiate Fa’aoso is missing, and there is no sign of Ma’afu’s clubmates Paul Ngauamo, Hemani Paea, and Alaska Taufa.

A handful of Super Rugby players could still put their hand up for selection. Highlanders captain Nasi Manu and Hurricanes midfielder Willis Halaholo are still involved with semi-finals and possibly a final to come. Chiefs tighthead Ben Tameifuna, Force lock Sam Wykes, and Blues three quarter George Moala are other possibilities, though less likely at this late stage.

Tonga will play Fiji, Canada, and USA in pool matches of the Pacific Nations Cup, before a final match against an opponent to be determined.

FORWARDS
Halani Aulika (London Irish), Siua Halanukonuka (Narbonne), Tevita Mailau (Mont-de-Marsan), Sila Puafisi (Gloucester), Sona Taumalolo (Racing), Soane Tonga’uiha (Oyonnax), Kalafi Pongi (Auckland), Sefo Sakalia (CSM Bucuresti), Elvis Taione (Exeter Chiefs), Uili Kolo’ofai (Newcastle Falcons), Lua Lokotui (Beziers), Steve Mafi (Western Force), Joe Tu’ineau (Lyon), Viliami Fihaki (Sale Sharks), Opeti Fonua (London Welsh), Nili Latu (capt., NEC), Viliami Ma’afu (Oyonnax), Hale T-Pole (Harbour Hawks)

BACKS
Sefo Ma’ake (Havelu), Taniela Moa (Pau), Tane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons), Latiume Fosita (Doncaster), Kurt Morath (Biarritz), Martin Naufahu (Melbourne Rising), Alipate Fatafehi (Colomiers), Sione Piukala (Perpignan), Siale Piutau (Yamaha), Otulea Katoa (Southland), Fetu’u Vainikolo (Exeter Chiefs), Telusa Veainu (Melbourne Rebels), Vungakoto Lilo (Tarbes)

FIXTURES
July 18 – v Fiji, ANZ Stadium (15:00 Suva)
July 24 – v Canada, Swangard Stadium (19:00 Burnaby)
July 29 – v USA, BMO Field (15:30 Toronto)
August 3 – v TBD, Swangard Stadium (tbd Burnaby)