14 Nov 2014

Sport: Tonga make minimal changes to winning team

12:48 pm on 14 November 2014

Tonga has made a couple of changes to their team from that which beat Georgia for this week's rugby test against the USA in Gloucester.

The 'Ikale Tahi have made one change in the starting line-up with Paea Fa'anunu coming in for Sila Puafisi at tighthead prop and Taranaki front-rower Sione Lea replaces Tasman's Siua Halanukonuka on the bench. Last week Tonga had a come from behind victory over Georgia in Tblisi.

USA are also coming off a win, having defeated Romania 27-17 last week.

USA team has three players with Tongan heritage in their squad.

Former Canterbury and 'Ikale Tahi prop Paea Fa'anunu

Former Canterbury and 'Ikale Tahi prop Paea Fa'anunu Photo: PHOTOSPORT

TONGA: Tevita Mailau, 'Aleki Lutui, Paea Fa'anunu, Tukulua Lokotui, Joe Tu'ineau, Sione Kalamafoni, Nili Latu (c), Villiami Ma'afu, Sonatane Takulua, Kurt Morath, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Hemani Paea, Siale Piutau, David Halaifonua, Vungakoto Lilo. RESERVES: Elvis Taione, Sione Lea, Sila Puafisi, Lisiate Fa'aoso, Hale T Pole, Taniela Moa, Latiume Fosita, 'Otulea Katoa.