APC Preview – Tonga vs Samoa

The first of three derby matches to kick off the final day of the Americas Pacific Challenge will see island neighbors Tonga ‘A’ square off against Samoa ‘A’ on Sunday. It’s been mixed results thus far for the two teams, which each sporting one win from two. Tonga’s success came against Canada ‘A’ on Wednesday, a convincing 31-15 victory, while Samoa defeated the USA Select XV in the opening round but came up woefully short against tournament favorites Argentina XV in round two.

Tonga will have to made do without captain Sione Lolohea, a casualty of Wednesday’s match. Fetuli Paea will stand in as skipper, with Leiataua Kilifi filling the hooker role. Other changes see Solomone Kioa start at prop, and Sione Tupou recalled on the flank at the expense of Atunaisa Faka’osi. Posiana Kamoto will run out on the right wing after impressing with some big hits against Canada.

Half of the Samoan lineup has changed, including their captaincy with Suamalie Tuiletufuga left on the bench and Fili Setu starting at No 8. Blindside flanker Mikaele Tapili will lead the team as Lester Sefo gets his first start of the tournament at openside. Noel Sanft switches from hooker to tighthead prop to accommodate for Ripine Fualau’s inclusion in the front row.

The backs are much changed with Melani Matavao and Ricky Pauli Ene the new halfback combination. Taimua Malielegaoi comes in on the left wing with La’aloi Leiua shifting to the midfield. Tagaloa Fonoti drops to the bench with clubmate Kaino Thomsen starting at inside centre.

Kickoff is set for 12 noon local time, 11:00 am Eastern. A live stream will be provided by World Rugby.

TONGA ‘A’
1 Makasine Lutua, 2 Leiataua Kilifi, 3 Solomone Kioa, 4 Vainanuma Manu, 5 Katilimoni Tu’ipulotu, 6 Taniela Na’a, 7 Sione Tupou, 8 Topui Sekona, 9 Samiu Muna, 10 James Faiva, 11 Fetuli Paea (capt.), 12 Paki Afu, 13 Fe’ofa’aki Kaumavae, 14 Posiana Kamoto, 15 Sione Ika

Replacements: 16 Loiola Vea, 17 Misinale Taukalo, 18  Faiva Sailosi, 19 Atunaisa Faka’osi, 20 Aisea Puaka, 21 Kuli Tonga, 22 Heamatangi Tu’ivai, 23 Sosaia Tokai

SAMOA ‘A’
1 Rodney Tapu, 2 Ripine Fualau, 3 Noel Sanft, 4 Ikifusi Matamu, 5 Aukusitino Ulugia, 6 Mikaele Tapili (capt.), 7 Lester Sefo, 8 Fili Setu, 9 Melani Matavao, 10 Ricky Pauli Ene, 11 Taimua Malielegaoi, 12 Kaino Thomsen, 13 La’aloi Leilua, 14 Elisapeta Alofipo, 15 Paulo Scanlan

Replacements: 16 Tiamu Viliamu, 17 Setu Enoka, 18 Alofa’aga Sao, 19 Joseph Fuimaono, 20 Suamalie Tuiletufuga, 21 Iafeta Purcell, 22 Aukuso Fruean, 23 Tagaloa Fonoti

Date: Sunday, October 15
Venue: Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo
Kickoff: 12:00 local (11:00 ET, 08:00 PT)
Broadcasts: Facebook Stream, World Rugby Stream