Rugby World Cup team profile – Tonga
The Tongan national rugby union team, commonly known as ‘Ikale Tahi’, is placed in Pool A of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). Besides Tonga, other teams in Pool A include hosts New Zealand, France, Japan and Canada.
The Pacific nation is a rugby playing country that is crazy about the sport. The country has produced some outstanding international players and has an aggressive style of play. Tonga is currently placed at the 13 rank in the International Rugby Board’s
(IRB) World Rankings.
Tonga had a mixed season so far this year. They performed poorly in the 2011 Churchill Cup but they recovered strongly, as they won two of their three matches in the 2011 IRB Pacific Nations Cup.
Tonga qualified for the 2011 RWC squad because they were the top 12 ranked teams in the World. This is Tonga’s fifth consecutive RWC experience and overall their sixth. They did not participate in the 1991/92 RWC.
Tonga has won just four games in the history of the RWC. Their first RWC victory came against the Ivory Coast in 1995, which was followed by their surprise victory against Italy during the 1999 RWC. Their remaining two wins came during the 2007 RWC, when
they defeated the Samoan and USA Eagles sides during the Pool matches.
In 2007, Tonga delivered the most memorable performance in their RWC history, as they remain in the fight in a Pool match game against the eventual 2007 RWC winners, Springboks. They finished third in their pool, which by far is their best performance in
RWC history.
Melbourne Rebels winger, Cooper Vuna, and New South Wales Waratahs lock, Sitaleki Timani, are among the most notable Tongan players who participate in the Super Rugby Championship.
In addition to this, French Top 14 side Agen hooker, Semisi Telefoni, is renowned for his explosive ball carrying and tackling skills. He has also played in the ITM Cup, representing the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) team, Auckland, during the 2004 and
2005 seasons.
The ACT Brumbies academy product, Viliami Iongi, with impressive performance during the 2011 Churchill Cup, has also caught the attention of rugby followers. He scored four tries during Tonga’s big win over the USA Eagles in this year’s Churchill Cup.
Pierre Hola with his 61 points from eight matches he has played so far for Tonga is their highest point scorer. Iongi with his four tries is their top try scorer, while Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Pierre Hola, Viliami Vaki, and Sateki Tu'ipulotu, follow longi with
their two tries each.
The 50-man provisional squad for Tonga 2011 RWC was announced in April 2011. The squad includes: Soane Tonga'uiha, Vaini Sona Taumalolo, Kisi Pulu, Tonga Lea'aetoa, Halani Aulika Maleko Latu, Tukulua Lokotui,Sitaleki Timani, Emosi Kauhenga, Lisiate Fa'aoso,
Paino Hehea, Joe Tu'ineau, Sione Kalamafoni, Sitiveni O. Mafi, Josh Afu, Samiu Vahafolau, Finau Maka, Viliami Ma'afu, Sione Timani, 'Ifalemi Taukafa , 'Atonio Halangahu, Semisi Telefoni,Ilaisa Ma'asi, 'Osaiasi Koloamatangi, Samisoni Fisilau, Daniel Morath,
'Etimoni Paea, Tomasi Palu, Soane Havea, Kurt Morath, Paula Kaho, Tevita Ula, Viliame 'Iongi, Mafile'o Kefu, Andrew Ma'ilei, Tomasi Sili, 'Alipate Fatafehi, 'AlaskaTaufa, Viliami Helu, 'Atieli Pakalani, Tevita Halaifonua, Mateo Malupo, Vungakoto Lilo, Cooper
Vuna, Siale Piutau,Hudson Tonga'uiha, Silivenusi Taumoepeau, Taufa'ao Filise, Sione Fonua, Pasuka Mapakaitolo,
Tonga is not favourite to qualify for their place in the second round of the world event. However, they are favourites to win their pool matches against Japan and Canada.
Meanwhile, their chances of reaching the second round depend upon their ability to defeat either All Blacks or France. Tonga are renowned for their physical game plan, however, their opponents will be aware of their weakness in the scrum.
Tags: