Mana Otai Names Tongan team for Namibia

Tongan Head Coach Mana Otai has confirmed his lineup for Tuesday’s must-win Pool C match against Namibia at Sandy Park in Exeter. The Pacific Islanders are in search of their first win of the tournament after having lost against Georgia on day two of the World Cup in Gloucester.

With remaining matches being against Argentina and New Zealand a second loss would see Tonga all but eliminated from Quarter Finals contention. Opponents, Namibia played well against the All Blacks on Thursday in earning praise and respect in London. The forty point margin was notably lower than that against the likes of Australia, Canada, France, South Africa and Wales in prior World Cups.

Otai has named two captains for the match with back-rower Viliami Ma’afu and center Siale Piutau to be co-captains. Ma’afu will be part of a veteran pack looking to overpower the Africans in the contact area.

Tonga
1 Soane Tonga’uiha, 2 Aleki Lutui, 3 Sila Puafisi, 4 Hale T-Pole, 5 Joe Tu’ineau, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Jack Ram, 8 Viliami Ma’afu (co captain), 9 Tane Takulua, 10 Latiume Fosita, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 12 Sione Piukala, 13 Siale Piutau (co captain), 14 David Halaifonua, 15 Vungakoto Lilo

16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Halani Aulika, 19 Lua Lokotui, 20 Opeti Fonua, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Kurt Morath, 23 Telusa Veainu