Tonga names team to face Canada

Mana Otai has opted to make only four changes to the Ikale Tahi side to face Canada on Friday in Burnaby. Tonga fell to Fiji on Saturday 30-22, but put in a credible performance and were leading heading into the final quarter of the match.

Tevita Mailau is the only change to the pack, taking the place of Sona Taumalolo, who drops to the bench. Joe Tu’ineau continues at lock after being a late replacement for Lua Lokotui before kickoff in Suva.

A new halfbacks combination starts, with Tane Takulua and Kurt Morath handed the reins after making a positive impact as substitutes. Latiume Fosita moves to the bench, but there is no place for Taniela Moa, with Sosefo Ma’ake instead set to make his debut as a reserve halfback.

The only other change sees Northland midfielder Viliami Tahitu’a winning his first cap at inside centre, with Sione Piukala shifting out one spot and Alipate Fatafehi left out.

Backup hooker Sefo Sakalia awaits his first cap after not being used against Fiji. There are no further changes among the reserves.

Tonga have only beaten Canada twice in seven previous encounters, the last win coming in 1999 in Nuku’alofa. The other victory was in their first meeting in 1974 in Vancouver. Canada have won four straight in the series, winning 36-27 in a very physical match in Kingston that featured three yellow cards and a red card.

TONGA
1 Tevita Mailau 2 Elvis Taione 3 Halani Aulika 4 Steve Mafi 5 Joe Tu’ineau 6 Hale T-Pole 7 Nili Latu (capt.) 8 Viliami Ma’afu 9 Tane Takulua 10 Kurt Morath 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo 12 Viliami Tahitu’a 13 Sione Piukala 14 Telusa Veainu 15 Vungakoto Lilo

16 Sefo Sakalia 17 Sona Taumalolo 18 Sila Puafisi 19 Uili Kolo’ofai 20 Viliami Fihaki 21 Sosefo Ma’ake 22 Latiume Fosita 23 Otulea Katoa