Date: 31/10/17 (Photo Credit NRLPhotos)
KRISTIAN Woolf has made two changes to the Mate Ma’a Tonga team for Saturday’s huge Rugby League World Cup clash with Toa Samoa in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Woolf has brought in Warriors’ pair Solomone Kata and David Fusitu’a for the important Pool B match.
Tonga put in an impressive first-half performance against Scotland on Sunday, leading 38-0 at halftime.
But Woolf said he was looking for some improvement after a quiet second half that finished the match at 50-4 against the Scottish team.
“To be facing such traditional rivals as Toa Samoa in a World Cup match is a huge occasion,” he said.
“We showed some good things against Scotland, but also demonstrated we have a lot of hard work to do yet.
“I am keen to have a look at both Solomone and David this weekend in what will be a very big game for both the players and the Tongan and Samoan communities here in New Zealand.”
Kata will replace Konrad Hurrell in the centres, while Fusitu’a will come on to the wing for Manu Vatuvei.
Ukuma Ta’ai, who had an injured calf last week, also comes in as 18th man.
Mate Ma’a Tonga are supported in this World Cup campaign by the diversified investment and wealth management company Oreana Group, the Tongan Government (www.Tongaholiday.com), R.D & S Prior Drainage and Plumbing Contractors, Tonga Power Limited, FI-TA, Tucorp, Classic Concrete Pumping, EPS Electrical Project Solutions, The Miller Family and Optimum Nutrition.
TONGA SQUAD TO FACE SAMOA
Saturday November 4
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton – 7.30pm
1. Will Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Michael Jennings
4. Solomone Kata
5. David Fusitu’a
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Ata Hingano
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Siliva Havilli
10. Sio Siua Taukieaho
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Sika Manu ©
13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Sione Katoa
15. Sam Moa
16. Peni Terepo
17. Ben Murdoch-Masila
18. Ukuma Ta’ai
19. Manu Vatuvei
20. Konrad Hurrell
21. Samisoni Langi
