30 Sep 2011

Sport: Tonga make four changes for French game

11:52 am on 30 September 2011

Tongan coach Isitolo Maka's made four changes for Saturday night's Pool A match against France.

Viliame Iongi and Andrew Ma'ilei comes into the backline with Fetu'u Vainikolo and Samisoni Fisilau out injured.

Kisi Pulu gets the nod at tight head prop, and Finau Maka returns to captain the side at openside after skipping the win over Japan with sore ribs.

Finau Maka's also stoked a few fires in the French team by suggesting he thinks they're vulnerable in midfield and in the front row.

The team is:

1. Soane Tonga'uiha

2. Aleki Lutui

3. Kisi Pulu

4. Tukulua Lokotui

5. Paino Hehea

6. Sione Kalamafoni

7. Finau Maka (c)

8. Viliami Ma'afu

9. Taniela Moa

10. Kurt Morath

11. Sukanaivalu Hufanga

12. Andrew Ma'ilei

13. Siale Piutau

14. Viliame Iongi

15. Vungakoto Lilo

Replacements:

16. Ephraim Taukafa

17. Alisona Taumalolo

18. Halani Aulika

19. Joseph Tuineau

20. Samiu Vahafolau

21. Thomas Palu

22. Alipate Fatafehi