Tonga have made five personnel changes to their starting fifteen to take on the French Barbarians in their latest Northern rugby tour match in Lyon.
Tonga's Siua Maile (c) is dejected after the game against England. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Siua Maile starts at hooker, with Paula Ngauamo dropping to the bench.
Setofano Funaki comes in at lock, with Tanginoa Halaifonua shifting to the blindside flank and Lopeti Timani moving to number eight.
James Faiva will direct proceedings from first five, with Vaea Vaea getting the nod at 12, pushing Afusipa Taumoepeau to centre.
Tonga huddle together during their 69-3 defeat by England at Twickenham. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Meanwhile, Navarre Haisila makes his first start for the 'Ikale Tahi at fullback.
Bourg-en-Bresse winger Latu Latunipulu is also poised to make his international debut off the bench.
The 'Ikale Tahi are still chasing their first win on tour, following a 60-14 defeat by Scotland and 69-3 loss to England in the past fortnight.
Tonga squad:
1. Sigfried Fisi'ihoi, 2. Siua Maile, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Halaleva Fifita, 5. Setofano Funaki, 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7. Mateaki Kafatolu, 8. Lopeti Timani, 9. Sonatane Takulua (c), 10. James Faiva, 11. Solomone Kata, 12. Vaea Vaea, 13. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 14. Walter Fifita, 15. Navarre Haisila. Reserves: 16. Paula Ngauamo 17. Jethro Felemi, 18. David Lolohea, 19. Dan Faleafa, 20. Fotu Lokotui, 21.Aisea Halo, 22. Latu Latunipulu*, 23. Mailetoa Hingano.
*denontes new cap
Fine's tour over following three match ban
Winger Viliami Fine will miss Tonga's remaining tour matches against the French Barbarians and Romania after he was suspended for three weeks following his sending off against England.
The 23-year-old appeared before an independent judicial committee via video link, having received a red card for striking the head of England's replacement flyhalf Marcus Smith.
Marcus Smith scored a try against Tonga four minutes after being struck in the head. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fine was dismissed 13 minutes after coming onto the field as a replacement for Walter Fifita and admitted the incident was worthy of a red card.
The Disciplinary Committee ruled the Otago winger struck his opponent with the upper part of his arm, that the strike was not powerful and there was no injury to the player.
The suspension was halved from six weeks to three, after the committee accounted for Fine's clean record, early guilty plea, apology to Smith and the way in which he approached the disciplinary process.
Viliame Fine will also be banned for a third match which is still to be determined. He has the right to appeal the suspension within 48 hours.
