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Preview: Tonga v Georgia (09-06-18)

ANZ National Stadium, Suva
Local time kick off 13:00
NZ Kick-Off – 13:00, Sat 09 Jun 2018
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Graham Cooper (Australia), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
Television match official: Ian Smith (Australia)

TON (on 71.87 points) at a Neutral venue -vs- GEO (on 73.96 points)

RR WORLD RANKINGS

Possible Outcome Rating Point
Exchange
New TON
Rating
New GEO
Rating
Will TON
overtake GEO?
If TON win by 1-15 points 1.209 73.08 72.75 Yes
If TON win by more than 15 1.813 73.68 72.15 Yes
If result is a draw 0.209 72.08 73.75 No
If GEO win by 1-15 points 0.791 71.08 74.75 No
If GEO win by more than 15 1.187 70.68 75.15 No

Six new caps have been named in the ‘Ikale Tahi rugby team to take part in Pacific Nations Cup.

Former Highlanders loose forward and captain Nasi Manu adds depth to the loose forwards, while Narbonne prop David Feao – the son of former Tonga international Willie Feao – earns his first call-up, having previously represented Tonga Under 20s and Tonga A.

He’s one of three new caps in the front row, alongside former Waratahs loosehead David Lolohea and ex Australian Schoolboys and Under 20s prop Vunipola Fifita. Counties Manakau wing Sione Fifita and Tasman flyer Viliami Lolohea are the new faces in the backline, while there’s also a recall for veteran first five Kurt Morath.

Siale Piutau will captain the team in tests against Georgia, Samoa and Fiji next month, with all three tests being played in Suva.

Tonga has also added to their coaching staff with former All Blacks midfielder Pita Alatini, who played one test for Tonga in 1995, joining the team as an assistant coach to Toutai Kefu.

A total of 40 players have been selected to prepare for the match against French Barbarians and the three summer tests against Tonga, Fiji and Japan.

The touring for the Pacific Nations Cup 2018 and Japan test will be finalised later.

The extended squad for summer tests features 23 forwards and 17 backs. Jaba Bregvadze will put on the Lelos jersey for the first time since he moved to the Japanese Super Rugby franchise Sunwolves. Uncapped RC Jiki centre Revaz Jinjikhadze features in the squad as well.

Among the 23 forwards, there are 19 overseas players – 15 from playing in France and single players from Japan, England, Wales and Russia.

Tamaz Mchedlidze will join the team after a whole year since his last appearance for The Lelos. The ranks of backs include 2 players from France, 3 – from Russia and 12 – from the Georgian top tier Premiership.

“We have named an extended squad list for the June window due to the fact that we have so many injuries and players who are returning from injury but have yet to play any rugby for some time.

“We are giving those players every opportunity to show the coaches they are ready to play international rugby. However, we intend to name the official squad of 33 players at the beginning of next week that will travel to Fiji and Japan as we have the French Barbarians that Thursday” – Milton Haig.

The Teams:

Tonga: 15 Sione Fifita, 14 David Halaifonua, 13 Nafi Tu’ituvake, 12 Siale Piutau, 11 Penikolo Latu, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 Fotu Lokotui, 6 Dan Faleafa, 5 Joe Tui’ineau, 4 Leva Fifita, 3 David Loloha, 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi
Replacements: 16 Sefo Sakalia, 17 David Feao, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Valentino Mapapalangi, 20 Mike Faleafa, 21 Suke Tuumotooa, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 Viliami Lolohea

Georgia: 15 Soso Matiashvili, 14 Anzor Sitchinaya, 13 Davit Katcharava, 12 Giorgi Kveseladze, 11 Sandro Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Mikheil Gachechiladze, 7 Otar Giorgadze, 6 Shalva Sutiashvili, 5 Nodar Tcheishvili, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze [c), 3 Levan Chilachava, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili, 1 Kakha Asieshvili
Replacements: 16 Jaba Bregvadze, 17 Giorgi Tetrashvili, 18 Irakli Mirtskhulava, 19 Kote Mikautadze, 20 Saba Shubitidze, 21 Giorgi Begadze, 22 Lasha Malaghuradze, 23 Merab Kvirikashvili

ANZ National Stadium, Suva
Local time kick off 13:00
NZ Kick-Off – 13:00, Sat 09 Jun 2018
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Graham Cooper (Australia), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
Television match official: Ian Smith (Australia)



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