Three debutants in Tonga pack for Samoa clash

Tonga has announced its team to face Samoa in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup on Friday as the 'Ikale Tahi prepare to make their bow in this season's competition.

Head coach Tevita Tu’ifua, who was unable to select many of the players who featured at the Rugby World Cup, has named three debutants in a callow-looking forward pack.

Counties Manukau hooker Penisoni Fineanganofo and flankers Tupou Afungia and Siosiua Moala, who play their club rugby in the United States and Spain with San Diego Legion and VRAC, are set to win their first caps. No.8 Lotu Inisi wins his third cap and his first since Pacific Nations Cup 2022.

Recent Moane Pasifika signing, Pat Pellegrini, starts the match at 10 for only the second time in his embryonic Test career.

Tonga's bench contains two more uncapped players in loose forward Tevita Ahokovi and sevens international Samuel Tuitupou.

Tonga will once again be captained by behemoth tight-head, Ben Tameifuna.

TONGA:

1. Tau Koloamatangi

2. Penisoni Fineanganofo

3. Ben Tameifuna (capt.)

4. Harison Mataele

5. Onehunga Kaufusi

6. Tupou Afungia

7. Siosiua Moala

8. Lotu Inisi

9. Manu Paea

10. Patrick Pellegrini

11. John Tapueluelu

12. Fetuli Paea (vice capt.)

13. Fine Inisi

14. Esau Filimoehala

15. Nikolai Foliaki (vice capt.)

Replacements:

16. Solomone Aniseko

17. Jethro Felemi

18. Brandon Televave

19. Tevita Ahokovi

20. Sosefo Sakalia

21. Aisea Halo

22. Tyler Pulini

23. Samuel Tuitupou