Japan v Tonga, Rugby World Cup, September 21
Tonga ring the changes
ESPNscrum Staff
September 19, 2011
Tonga's Siale Piutau celebrates his try, Canada v Tonga, Rugby World Cup, Whangarei, New Zealand, September 14, 2011
Siale Piutau keeps his place in the centres © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Isitolo Maka | Finau Maka
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: Japan | Tonga

Tonga have once again opted for change over continuity ahead of their Pool A clash with Japan in Whangarei on Wednesday.

The Tongans have failed to find their form so far in the tournament losing their opening two clashes against the All Blacks and then a resilient Canada last Wednesday. Despite Isitolo Maka facing criticism for ringing the changes ahead of the clash with the Canucks, this has not deterred him from re-jigging his side with the most notable omission his brother and captain Finau Maka.

There has yet to be any confirmation over whether Maka is injured - the No.8 struggled with an ankle injury in the build-up to the World Cup - but nevertheless his absence will take the headlines.

Elsewhere, Kurt Morath is reinstated at fly-half with Taneila Moa moving back to scrum-half. Vunga Lilo takes Morath's spot at fullback with Fetu'u Vainikolo and Sukanaivalu Hufanga starting on the wing. Maka misses out on selection with Viliami Ma'afu starting at No.8 and Sione Kalamafoni coming in at blindside. Paino Hehea starts in the second-row while the front-row has the familiar look to it with Soane Tonga'uiha, Taufa'ao Filise and new skipper Aleki Lutui reunited.

Tonga: Vungakoto Lilo; Fetu'u Vainikolo, Siale Piutau, Alipate Fatafehi, Sukanaivalu Hufanga; Kurt Morath, Taniela Moa; Soane Tonga'uiha, Aleki Lutui (capt), Taufa'ao Filise, Tukulua Lokotui, Paino Hehea, Sione Kalamafoni, Sione Vaiomo'unga, Viliami Ma'afu

Replacements: Aloisio Ma'asi, Alisona Taumalolo, Halani Aulika, Joseph Tu'ineau, Samiu Vahafolau, Samisoni Fisilau, Viliame Iongi

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices