PNC Preview – Tonga vs Canada

The Pacific Nations Cup has flown by with the third and final round now just a day away. A neutral-venue clash between Tonga and Canada will open things up as the final round is based entirely in Fiji. The Friday-afternoon (Thursday evening North American time) match will take place at Churchill Park in Lautoka, the western coast of Viti Levu.

Tonga were overwhelmed by an impressive Japan team in Osaka last weekend. Having also fallen short against Samoa in the opening round, they will be keen to end their tournament with a win against a Canadian side who have struggled in their two matches.

Toutai Kefu has made seven changes to his starting lineup, including changing up half the forward pack. Paul Ngauamo and Siua Halanukonuka bring top flight experience to the front row while Sam Lousi has shaken off a minor injury to bolster the engine room. Steve Mafi moves to the blindside flank and Zane Kapeli is given a start at No8 having showed well on the flank previously.

Left-footer James Faiva is given another opportunity to earn a spot in the World Cup squad in place of Latiume Fosita at flyhalf. Mali Hingano wins his second cap in the midfield bumping Cooper Vuna to the bench, and Viliami Lolohea is recalled on the left wing.

There is plenty of experience on the bench. Exeter hooker Elvis Taione returns to the match day squad and former Waikato prop Latu Talakai joins the squad with Siegfried Fisi’ihoi failing to recover in time to take part. It’s a more conventional 5-3 split this week with Dan Faleafa and Sione Vailanu covering the second and back rows.

Canada were no match for Fiji and will be relieved to face a less intimidating opponent though the Ikale Tahi will not be taken lightly. Kingsley Jones has summoned many of his first choice players with others given a chance to impress in a stronger XV than a week ago.

Djustice Sears-Duru and Matt Tierney are the third prop combination to be used in the tournament, with Eric Howard retained at hooker. The new second row has Mike Sheppard starting alongside Evan Olmstead, and Tyler Ardron returns to lead the side from No8.

The starting halfback duo from the Repechage competition is restored with Phil Mack at scrumhalf and Gordon McRorie switching to flyhalf. Ben LeSage is recalled at outside center, with DTH van der Merwe taking his familiar place on the left wing.

It’s been four years since these two sides have met, the last match a win for the Tongans in Vancouver. Canada have historically had the edge but in recent years the games have been very competitive. On paper this is the strongest lineup either have fielded in the tournament.

The edge in bulk and experience goes to the Tongans, who will also feel more at home in the island humidity. If Canada are to come away with a win they will need to stretch the defense, a tactic that has proved elusive thus far.

Kickoff is set for Friday 3pm local time, Thursday 8pm Pacific, Thursday 11pm Eastern. Live broadcasts will be available on NBC Sports Gold in the USA, TSN2 in Canada, and World Rugby’s digital channels for those located elsewhere.

EDIT: A broadcast change in Canada will see the game live on TSN.ca, with a delayed viewing on TSN2 on Friday.

TONGA
1 Paea Fa’anunu, 2 Paul Ngauamo, 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 4 Leva Fifita, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Steve Mafi, 7 Fotu Lokotui, 8 Zane Kapeli, 9 Tane Takulua, 10 James Faiva, 11 Viliami Lolohea, 12 Siale Piutau (capt.), 13 Mali Hingano, 14 Afa Pakalani, 15 Tevita Halaifonua

Replacements: 16 Elvis Taione, 17 Latu Talakai, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Sione Vailanu, 20 Dan Faleafa, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 Cooper Vuna

CANADA
1 Djustice Sears-Duru, 2 Eric Howard, 3 Matt Tierney, 4 Mike Sheppard, 5 Evan Olmstead, 6 Kyle Baillie, 7 Lucas Rumball, 8 Tyler Ardron (capt.), 9 Phil Mack, 10 Gordon McRorie, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 12 Ciaran Hearn, 13 Ben LeSage, 14 Jeff Hassler, 15 Peter Nelson

Replacements: 16 Benoît Pifféro, 17 Hubert Buydens, 18 Cole Keith, 19 Luke Campbell, 20 Matt Heaton, 21 Jamie Mackenzie, 22 Nick Blevins, 23 Patrick Parfrey

Date: Friday, August 9
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka
Kickoff: 15:00 local (Thursday 20:00 Pacific, Thursday 23:00 Eastern)
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Assistants: Ben O’Keeffe (NZRU) & Tevita Rokovereni (FRU)
TMO: n/a
Broadcasts: NBC Sports Gold (USA), TSN.ca (Canada – live), TSN2 (Canada- delayed), World Rugby