1
Nasi Manu's return to rugby will have to wait
By Online Editors
Nasi Manu hasn't played a game of rugby in over a year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. He missed the whole Pro14 season and last ran onto the rugby field for Tonga in their Pacific Nations Clash with Fiji last June.
Today was supposed to mark Manu's return to rugby after he was named to captain the ‘Ikale Tahi against Samoa, however the affable loose forward will now have to wait at least one more week. Earlier today, Tonga announced that Manu would have to withdraw from the match due to injury.
Elvis Taione will take the captain's armband in Manu's absence whilst Sione Vailau will take over at number 8. Prop Siua Halanukonuka will join the bench.
Today's match kicks off at 1:50PM, local time.
Revised Tonga team:
1. Paea Fa’anunu, 2. Elvis Taione (c), 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Leva Fifita, 5. Sam Lousi*, 6. Onehunga Havili, 7. Maama Vaipulu, 8. Sione Vailau, 9. Samisoni Fisilau, 10. James Faiva*, 11. Viliame Lolohea, 12. Cooper Vuna, 13. Malietoa Hingano*, 14. David Halaifonua, 15. Nafi Tuitavake.
Reserves:
16. Sefo Sakalia, 17. Toma Taufa*, 18. Ma’afu Fia, 19. Zane Kapeli, 20. Siua Halanukonuka, 21. Fotu Lokotui, 22. Leon Fukofuka, 23. Otumaka Mausia*.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Which country do you think was instrumental in developing rugby in Argentina which then spun off into the rest of Latin South America? South Africa was touring Argentine in the 50's with their Junior Bok side on three months development tours. And they didn't do it to cultivare players for the Boks. Regarding Africa you are not taking into account that South Africa itself is an emerging nation. The rugby union has prioritised the development of rugby in South African rural communities with outstanding success.
It has taken 15 years to build the participation of rugby both in playing and watching. For South Africa on its own to build a viable international rugby competition in africa will take generations - not decades. New Zealanders seem to resent the fact that SA has doubled the income of the URC since their inclusion. If New Zealand Rugby hadn't insisted on have a disproportionate slice of the pie in Super Rugby, SA might not have fled the coop.
Go to commentsDon't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to comments