Morath returns for Tonga against Force

Former San Diego Breakers and Utah Warriors flyhalf Kurt Morath returns to the Tonga squad for tonight’s match against the Western Force in Nuku’alofa. The 34-year-old goal kicker is named on the bench as he attempts to earn selection for his third Rugby World Cup after starting for the Ikale Tahi in 2011 and 2015.

Morath is the only new name for Tonga against the Force, though there is a return to fitness for Stade Français prop Siegfried Fisi’ihoi after sitting out the Pacific Nations Cup. The other 24 names in the squad have all been with the squad for the last month, including Austin Elite-bound Dan Faleafa, who starts in the second row.

The Force are captained by former Australia u20 flyhalf Andrew Deegan and include a number of players with Super Rugby experience including hooker Andrew Ready, No8 Brynard Stander, and winger Jonah Placid. Currently away on international duty are Samoa pair Henry Stowers and AJ Alatimu, and Marcel Brache with the USA.

Tonga will be competing in Pool C at the World Cup, along with England, France, Argentina, and the USA. They play the Pumas on September 28 and the Eagles on October 13, both games taking place at Hanazono Stadium in Osaka.

TONGA
1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 2 Sefo Sakalia, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 4 Dan Faleafa, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Steve Mafi (capt.), 7 Ma’ama Vaipulu, 8 Zane Kapeli, 9 Leon Fukofuka, 10 James Faiva, 11 Viliami Lolohea, 12 Latiume Fosita, 13 Mali Hingano, 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 15 Afa Pakalani

Replacements: 16 Paul Ngauamo, 17 Latu Talakai, 18 Siua Halanukonuka, 19 Sione Vailanu, 20 Fotu Lokotui, 21 Tevita Halaifonua, 22 Tane Takulua, 23 Kurt Morath, 24 Ben Tameifuna, 25 Sami Fisilau, 26 Siale Piutau

WESTERN FORCE
1 Cameron Orr, 2 Andrew Ready, 3 Tom Sheminant, 4 Ben Grant, 5 Fergus Lee-Warner, 6 Tevin Ferris, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 8 Brynard Stander, 9 Issak Fines, 10 Andrew Deegan (capt.), 11 Jonah Placid, 12 Nick Jooste, 13 Grason Makara, 14 Halaufa Lavaka, 15 Jack McGregor

Replacements: 16 Heath Tessman, 17 Harrison Lloyd, 18 Chris Heiberg, 19 Johan Bardoul, 20 Chris Alcock, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Kiti Ratu, 23 Byron Ralston, 24 Markus Vanzati, 25 Dom Hardman, 26 Jackson Pugh

Date: Saturday, August 24
Venue: Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa
Kickoff: 15:00 local (10:00 AWST, Friday 22:00 ET, Friday 19:00 PT)
Broadcasts: Facebook