'We've seen the Springboks slip up against Japan': Tonga should be considered a serious threat
After the recent naming of Tonga’s squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, the strength of their squad is obvious with a number of ex-international players now available.
The squad features former All Blacks and Wallabies in Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau, Augustine Pulu, and Israel Folau as well as the possible inclusion of George Moala and forwards Vaea Fifita, Adam Coleman and Sekope Kepu come November.
Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Podcast, Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall and former All Black hooker James Parsons shared their views on the Tongan side and the likely strengths and deficiencies for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup and Rugby World Cup.
Tonga has been drawn in Pool B along side South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland for next year's World Cup in France.
"It won't be easy but the pressure is not on them," Parsons said of their World Cup draw.
"We've seen the Springboks slip up against Japan before, Ireland have had moments as well and they've just got nothing to lose.
"They've got time together now. This is not just going to be a short lead in, they've got a good year to embed some systems and processes.
"Tonga aren't going to be easy to dominate physically, so they'll have to come up with a different style or they just go head-to-head and the best man wins out of those collisions."
Speaking about those that have switched allegiances, Parsons explained how much Tonga will benefit from the experience they are bringing in.
“They really want to be there; they have wanted to be there for a number of years," Parsons said.
"Now they have the opportunity they will want to make every post a winner. They are now a serious threat. It’s not just the skill set of those players.
“The IP [intellectual property] they have got from the years of high performance environments they have been in, and their ability to up skill those around them and help the coaches in terms of systems and game plans.
“There is just so much to like and get excited about…This just adds more energy to our game, it's exactly what we need."
However, with such a great roster there still remains some weaknesses. Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall questioned whether the side possessed the right players to manage the game effectively in the big test matches.
“I think the game management is going to be a big part of that. I don’t know which direction they will go [playing either William Havili, or James Faiva]," Hall said.
“I think [William Havili] having time with Tasman and then being able to play in key games and see decision making with Mitch Hunt, being able to see what that looks like.
“Being with Moana Pasifika and learning from the likes of Christian Lealiifano for the whole year will be invaluable for him to go on that tour.
“If they play too much, what’s plan B? Are they going to be able to have the kicking game?
"Augustine Pulu will be massive for them. Sonatane Takulua is there, who has been a stalwart of Tongan rugby. Having that one-two punch is going to be great for them and they have great decision makers around that.
“Again, it’s just being able to be real smart, game management wise.
"You have guys like Charlie Piutau, George Moala who have been in those big games and experiences being able to give that to the likes of Fine Inisi, who’s a young player in that team.
“Physicality wise they are always there or thereabouts, they will bring that, they always bring that as a Tongan team. But it’s those game management skills. They have got enough players there now that can really understand that and hopefully get the best out of that moving forward.”
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I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.
Go to commentsYeah, and ours is waaay bigger than yours. Just as you's get a semi…oh hold on that never happens
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