2023 July and Pre-World Cup Internationals (excluding TRC)

[Stargazer]

Tonga squad for the July Internationals

[Higgins]

Goodness you would be in for a real struggle coming up against the Leimatu'a District Team in the intervillage competition in Tonga. From the above there looks to be Sam Moli, Leva Fifita, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Gus Pulu, Solomone Kata for starters plus the likes of Atu Moli and Liaki Moli who also qualify for the team. Not bad going for a village that has a total population of under 3000 in total, only which just over about 450 guys would be of appropriate rugby playing age.

Leimatu'a (District, Tonga) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location

[Tim]

Anyone want to take a crack at the starting XV for Tonga? Who will play 10?

[Stargazer]

@Tim IIRC Havili ended up being the starting 10, last year.

[African Monkey]

Havili will have to play 10.

I'll give my starting Tongan lineup.

1. S Fisi'ihoi

2. P Ngauamo

3. T Koloamatagi

4. A Coleman

5. L Fifita

6. V Fifita

7. S Havili

8. S Funaki

9. S Takalua

10. W Havili

11. C Piutau

12. P Ahki

13. M Fekitoa

14. G Moala

15. I Folau

16. S Sakalia

17. F Fotuaika

18. B Tameifuna

19. S Mafi

20. L Timani

21. A Pulu

22. O Mausia

23. S Kata

That would be my side anyway to start off with.

[Tim]

@African-Monkey That's a pretty handy looking team. Big question over the 10 though.

[Stargazer]

@African-Monkey I think Tameifuna will be the starting TH.

[African Monkey]

@Stargazer Yeah potentially. Just depends whether they want him starting or finishing the game. Personally, I'd have him finishing.

[Stargazer]

Vashneel Prasad  /  Jun 7, 2023

Raiwalui names Fiji Water Flying Fijians wider squad - Fiji Rugby Union

[Tim]

[Steven Harris]

@Tim solid squad , all of a sudden this group looks very very interesting
What a shame they could’nt snare Levi Amua , AJ Lam and one of the Umaga Jensen boys

[Stargazer]

@Tim As expected, that's half the 2022 Magpies' backline unavailable for the 2023 NPC.

[Tim]

@Stargazer Three Harbour players out too.

[mikedogz]

3 core counties players.

[Stargazer]

The players switching allegiance, this year:
Charlie Faumuina
Steven Luatua
Christian Leali'ifano
Lima Sopoaga

[mikey07]

@Stargazer How good is it to have two world class 10s in that squad.

[Higgins]

@Stargazer said in 2023 July and Pre-World Cup Internationals (excluding TRC):

@Tim As expected, that's half the 2022 Magpies' backline unavailable for the 2023 NPC.

Well look at that, my intensely proud and pro Manu Samoa whangai grandkids have got not only Staci Ili but also captain Michael Ala'alatoa and Melani Matavao from their village in the team. I have probably run into their aiga, albeit unknowingly, on my visits up there with them!

[Stargazer]

Rugby Australia  /  Jun 19, 2023

Australia A to take on Tonga in July

[ACT Crusader]

@African-Monkey said in 2023 July and Pre-World Cup Internationals (excluding TRC):

Havili will have to play 10.

I'll give my starting Tongan lineup.

1. S Fisi'ihoi

2. P Ngauamo

3. T Koloamatagi

4. A Coleman

5. L Fifita

6. V Fifita

7. S Havili

8. S Funaki

9. S Takalua

10. W Havili

11. C Piutau

12. P Ahki

13. M Fekitoa

14. G Moala

15. I Folau

16. S Sakalia

17. F Fotuaika

18. B Tameifuna

19. S Mafi

20. L Timani

21. A Pulu

22. O Mausia

23. S Kata

That would be my side anyway to start off with.

They definitely have quality. They could be tempted to start Kata for that extra bit of pace and have a midfield of Fekitoa and Moala.

[African Monkey]

@ACT-Crusader Yeah I think they would go with that, I just don't like Moala at 12 as he doesn't distribute, but at the same time, have always rated him very highly. Much better centre/wing imo.