September 28. 2015
Rugby World Cup Lineups: Tonga v Namibia
Doug Coil
September 29, 2015
Tonga v Namibia, Pool C, Sandy Park, Exeter, Kick off 16:45 – 11:45am ET
Referee: Glen Jackson; Assistant Referee: Chris Pollock, Federico Anselmi; TV Match Official: Ben Skeen
Tonga has made 9 changes for this match fielding an experienced side with 327 test caps and averaging just under 31 years of age. This is the second most changes the team has made in successive matches. As a result of their close loss to Georgia, they felt that they needed to change tactics, and thus the lineup.
Captain Nili Latu has a hamstring injury and will not play. As a result, the ‘Ikale Tahi’ (Sea Eagles), have become the first side to name two co-captains in a Rugby World Cup match with number eight Viliami Ma’afu and outside centre Siale Piutau sharing the position.
At 37, Aleki Lutui is the fourth oldest player to play at a Rugby World Cup. This is his third, having initially played prior to 2000. Soane Tonga’uiha is also playing in his third.
Namibia have made 8 changes of their own after a loss to New Zealand. They are faced with a short turnaround, while Tonga is well rested having had ten days off. Scrum-half Eugene Jantjies, with a bruised cheekbone, and tight-head prop Raoul Larsen, a hamstring injury, will be rested.
The Rugby World Cup takes its physical toll on players. Players need to be rotated, so the team may be as fresh as possible. Namibia fought hard against the All Blacks, and they look for another tough battle with Tonga.
Tonga Ranked 13: HC Manu Otai Starters: 1. Soane Tonga’uiha 2. Aleki Lutui 3. Sila Puafisi 4. Hale T Pole 5. Joseph Tuineau 6. Sione Kalamafoni 7. Jack Ram
8. Viliami Ma’afu (c) 9. Sonatane Takulua 10. Latiume Fosita 11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
12. Sione Piukala 13. Siale Piutau (c) 14. David Halaifonua 15. Vungakoto Lilo Replacements: 16. Paula Ngauamo 17. Tevita Mailau 18. Halani ‘Aulika 19. Tukulua Lokotui 20. Opeti Fonua 21. Samisoni Fisilau 22. Kurt Morath 23. Telusa Veainu
Namibia Ranked 20: HC Phil Davies Starters: 1. Casper Viviers 2. Torsten Van Jaarsveld 3. Johannes Coetzee 4. Janco Venter 5. Tjiuee Uanivi 6. Jacques Burger (c) 7. Rohan Kitshoff 8. Renaldo Bothma 9. Eneill Buitendag 10. Theuns Kotze 11. Russel Van Wyk 12. Johan Deysel 13. Danie Van Wyk 14. Johan Tromp 15. Chrysander Botha Replacements: 16. Louis van der Westhuizen 17. Johnny Redelinghuys 18. AJ De Klerk 19. Tinus Du Plessis 20. PJ Van Lill 21. Damian Stevens 22. Darryl De La Harpe 23. David Philander
