Taione starts for Tonga

By Mark Stevens
25/7/19

Exeter Chiefs forward Elvis Taione will start for Tonga in their opening fixture of this season's Pacific Nations Cup against Samoa on Saturday.

The powerful hooker starts for the Ikale Tahi team, which also includes former Chief Onehunga Havili and skipper Nasi Manu, who having battled cancer will pack down at the base of the scrum.

In the absence of regular leaders Siale Piutau and Sonatane Takulua, the inspirational No.8 headlines a solid group of new and returning faces coach Toutai Kefu has chosen to take on Samoa at Apia Park.

“He’s a proven leader, the boys look up to him and respect him, Nasi deserves the captaincy.”

Alongside Manu, five players are in line to make their international debuts; Sam Lousi, James Faiva, Malietoa Hingano, Toma Taufa and Otumaka Mausia. In addition to the new faces, Tonga welcome back experienced campaigners Taione, Maama Vaipulu, Cooper Vuna and Tevita Halaifonua for the clash.

With so many debutants named, coach Kefu suggested he was still casting a keen eye for spots he was looking to fill for the Rugby World Cup, during this upcoming Pacific Nations Cup campaign.

“We’re still looking at a few young guys, and its still quite open, in terms of vying for World Cup spots.”

In terms of the opposition, Kefu is expecting a traditional island derby pointing to the similarities between both the Tongan and Samoan outfits and the style of rugby both teams like to adopt.

“We’ll concentrate on our game and do what we do best but they are very physical side. Direct, aggressive around the tackle and breakdowns and we are expecting a very, very physical game this weekend.”

Tonga vs Samoa Pacific Nations Cup

1 Paea Fa’anunu
2 Elvis Taione
3 Ben Tameifuna
4 Leva Fifita
5 Sam Louisi
6 Onehunga Havili
7 Maama Vaipulu
8 Nasi Manu (capt)
9 Samisoni Fisilau
10 James Faiva
11 Viliami Lolohea
12 Cooper Vuna
13 Malietoa Hingano
14 Tevita Halaifonua
15 Nafi Tu’itavake

Replacements

16 Sefo Sakalia
17 Toma Taufa
18 Ma’afu Fia
19 Zane Kapeli
20 Fotu Lokotui
21 Sione Vailanu
22 Leon Fukofuka
23 Otumaka Mausia