Vuna named in Tonga squad

[WhoDaresWin]

brynylon does have a point...... but, every team needs the best players to be out there playing...even the 'jonny come lately's'

 

[shire shark]

Halani Aluika is in great form at the moment. His scrummaging has improved heaps over the last year, Kees Meews must have been teaching him, and hes got himself into good shape. Otago has the best scrum in the ITM cup. Of course his ball running has always been a strength, but hes good technically now too

 

[brynylon]

Who says they are the best players?

 

[IKALETAHI]

Im gona agree with AfakasiAssasin Im happy these players have made themselves available. How can anyone fault the talent these players have ? If you are going to judge the level Moa and Vainikolo are playing why would you be happy with Soane Havea in the squad? He isnt wanted by any professional Club ? he may have commitment, but he doesnt have the talent to play international. I do hope the inclusion of these players doesnt disrupt the team though.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Who says they are the best players?

My Tonga backline minus 'jonny come latelys' (players who made themselves eligible in the last 6 months)
9. Semisoni Fisilau/Soane Havea
10. Kurt Morath
11. William Helu
12. Andrew Mailei
13. Suka Hufanga
14. Alipate Fatafehi/Mateo Malupo
15. Vunga Lilo

My Tonga backline including everyone available
9. Taniela Moa
10. Kurt Morath
11. Villiame Iongi
12. Siale Piutau
13. Alipate Fatafehi
14. Fetu'u Vainikolo
15. Vunga Lilo

I must say the 'Jonnys' do seem to give Tongas backline looking abit more potent and dangerous out wide.

 

[brynylon]

Who says Im happy with Havea being in the team?I am not.Im not happy with Palu being in the team!How come Palu is in the squad when he has hasnt played in a test match.He was in the PNC squad and got on the field only for the last 2 minutes of the Samoa game when the result was not in doubt.Does that show the coaches have any confidence in him?Really!
Havea in the Samoa game knocked on 3 times in the first 10 minutes and his first pass to Morath was dismal.Did you see Daniel Morath do that in the Churchill Cup?No.So why isnt he in the squad?How can you judge Palu against Morath when Palu never played?The selectors need to answer these questions!
The senior players in the team are asking the same question.

 

[brynylon]

Apart from Vainikolo,I agree it is a backline with greater potential.My argument is not so much about ability.My argument is about the fact these "jonnys"have just turned up now before the World Cup.Where was their allegiance to Tonga before?Thats why they are OPPORTUNISTS!The chance of playing in the World Cup is obviously their motivation.Lets see if they play for Tonga after the World Cup!
Tonga has improved it test record greatly in the last 2 years.2010 there were 3 narrow losses.2011 2 wins and a narrow loss to Japan who can be happy that the ref missed the knockon that led to the Japan try in the corner.And that is without the "jonnys"
The opportunists have seen that Tonga are a competitive side now so they are available suddenly.
Their 10 Kurt Morath has sacrificed a lot financially to be available for the World Cup.As he scores 60% of their points,he is a very important factor.Maybe you should ask him how he feels about the "jonnys".

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Apart from Vainikolo,I agree it is a backline with greater potential.My argument is not so much about ability.My argument is about the fact these "jonnys"have just turned up now before the World Cup.Where was their allegiance to Tonga before?Thats why they are OPPORTUNISTS!The chance of playing in the World Cup is obviously their motivation.Lets see if they play for Tonga after the World Cup!
Tonga has improved it test record greatly in the last 2 years.2010 there were 3 narrow losses.2011 2 wins and a narrow loss to Japan who can be happy that the ref missed the knockon that led to the Japan try in the corner.And that is without the "jonnys"
The opportunists have seen that Tonga are a competitive side now so they are available suddenly.
Their 10 Kurt Morath has sacrificed a lot financially to be available for the World Cup.As he scores 60% of their points,he is a very important factor.Maybe you should ask him how he feels about the "jonnys".

I see your point. As I said my standpoint is if the jonnys will help the team to play better than from a fans standpoint Id be happier to see them in the team than not. Take Finau Maka and Soane Tonga'uiha for example, they were a 'Jonnys' at the last RWC and look how much of an impact they brought to the team. It would be hard pill to swallow for the more commited but less talented players currently vying for a spot in the team. But at a RWC you need your very best and if there are better players availiable than, its tough but thats the hard decisions the coach and selectors have to make for the team to perform to their upmost potential,
Im sure Kurt Morath has sacrificed alot out of his own pocket to play for Tonga. But if he plays to the form at the RWC that he has been in the last year for Tonga then Im certain he will surely score himself a contract playing in Europe or Japan. I remember seeing Vainikolo in 2008 playing Super Rugby for the Highlanders. I havent seen much of him lately but back then he was a stud on the wing during that season. If he can replicate that form than he can cause some havoc out wide. Siale Piutau has been impressive this past Super Rugby season and currently in the ITM cup so I expect he should be a contendor for a starting role probably in the centres. Taniela Moa is definatly their best option at half back. Bar politics or disruption to the team on his behalf I thnk it would be safe to say he will walk into the starting Halfback role.

 

[brynylon]

Kurt Morath gave up a lucrative contract in Japan last year that committed him to NOT playing for Tonga in the World Cup.He wouldnt sign.So he had to stay and play in Sydney this season if he wanted to support Tonga and so he could play in the PN Cup as important build-up games to the World Cup.He has had plenty of offers for AFTER the World Cup
My point being that Moa and Vainikolo and others have never shown the same allegiance to Tonga that many others have.

 

[IKALETAHI]

Crazy Decisions made today Coach isitolo Maka has cut both Kisi Pulu and Semisi Telefoni from the squad. Tonga Lea'aetoa still in the squad though. I just dont see how you can keep him and cut the other two especially Kisi Pulu.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Crazy Decisions made today Coach isitolo Maka has cut both Kisi Pulu and Semisi Telefoni from the squad. Tonga Lea'aetoa still in the squad though. I just dont see how you can keep him and cut the other two especially Kisi Pulu.

Are you serious? Semisi Telefoni couldve been handy covering as a backup prop and hooker, but Tonga Lea'aetoa over Kisi Pulu? I would've had Kisi Pulu starting let alone miss the whole squad altogether. Lae'eatoa STINKS at international level and to be honest with the depth they had in the squad at prop (Soane Tonga'uiha, Alisona Taumalolo, Kisi Pulu, Halani 'Aulika, Tonga Lea'aetoa, Taufa'ao Filise, Semisi Telefoni) He wouldve been next to if not LAST in the depth chart IMO. Thats crazy but I will still be stunned if he makes the final team over the likes of Tonga'uiha, Taumololo, Aulika or even Filise. I guess with the exclusion of Telefoni that reopens the door for Aleki Lutui to claim a spot in the final squad. IKALETAHI what role would you have him if he was to make the final squad starter, bench or back up?

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Also do you think Lea'aetoa remaining in the RWC frame for Tonga at Pulu's expense could be to do with politics as he has been far from impressive the whole year, yet still remains in the squad?

 

[psychic duck]

No Kisi Pulu?

All I can say is that is a joke and he is Tonga's best tighthead and should be starting

 

[brynylon]

Kisi Pulu has been suffering from a groin problem so I wouldnt rule him out just yet.

 

[brynylon]

Tonga team selection is full of poltics.You dont really know who is picking the team-its certainly not Isotolo Maka.

 

[IKALETAHI]

I hope you're right Brynlyon as I got this information from one of the coaches. I was certain Kisi Pulu would be the starting Tight head prop, and thinks its crazy to have Tonga Lea'aetoa ahead of of any of the props including Telefoni who isnt even a specialist Prop. What Brynlyon says is true Tongan Rugby is full of politics just look at Daniel Moraths situation, dropped for players like Soane Havea and Palu.

To answer your question on Lutui AfakasiAssasin I dont know where I would have Aleki Lutui, I havnt watched him closely in years. Isitolo Maka says hes too slow. Would have to ask if Taukafa can keep up with the pace he looks abit overweight. If Ilaisa Ma'asi can get his throwing right id probably have him start with Taukafa or Lutui coming off the bench as impact players.

 

[brynylon]

Love to know whats happened to Koloamatangi?Hope to find out tomorrow!Hes not in the 30 or in the ones left in Tonga.

 

[IKALETAHI]

Please let us know...its a slim chance, but im hoping he is given a chance to start one of the games...He has to be involved in the World Cup squad we have no other specialist 7s

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Tonga 30 man squad for Fiji Hooker 1. 'Aleki Lutui 2. Ephraim Taukafa 3. 'Aloisio 'Ilaisa Ma'asi Props 4. Soane Longopoa Tonga'uiha 5. Faka'anaua ki 'Alisona Taumalolo 6. Tonga Lea'aetoa 7. Taufa'ao Filise 8. Halani 'Aulika Locks 9. Joseph Tu'ineau 10. Kelekolio Paino Hehea 11. Sione Lamipeti Ngalu Timani 12. Lisiate Fa'aoso Blindside 13. Sione Ma'ake Kalamafoni 14. Tukulua 'Atu Lokotui Openside 15. Finau Maka (Captain) 16. Sione Fale ki he Fohe Vaiomo'unga No. 8 17. Viliami Suaesi Ma'afu 18. Samiu Kaufusi Vahafolau Halfback 19. Taniela Moa 20. Samisoni Fisilau 21. Tomasi Taufo'ou Palu First 5/8 22. Kurt Stanley Morath Centre 23. Andrew Kautonga Ma'ilei 24. Latu 'Alipate Fatafehi 25. Siale Vailea Piutau 26. Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga Wings 27. William Helu 28. Fetu'umoana Vainikolo 29. Viliame Volavola 'Iongi Fullback 30. Vungakoto Filimone Lilo Reserves in Tonga 1. Kisi Pulu 2. Joshua Lavamofa'oa Afu 3. Tevita Haniteli Ula 4. Viliami Pasuka Mapakaitolo 5. 'Amanaki Vatikani 6. Hudson Tonga'uiha 7. Mateo Vakatalau Malupo 8. Alaska Nikolasi Taufa 9. Semisi Fonua Telefoni I must say Tongas RWC squad is shaping up to be the strongest they've ever fielded (stronger perhaps than their 2007 squad). At their best and being as close as their gonna get to a home advantage, as I've stated they may cause an upset or two.

 

[Tau tahi]

where the hell is Pepa Koloamatangi
and why the hell is Tonga Lea'atoa there I hope he is no where near the initial squad.
I hope Koloamatangi is injured or something that's preventing him from been named cause if he was shown the door Tonga needs to sort it's politics out.I know that he was not in Tonga.
Leaving someone like Pulu out who yes is probably Tonga's best Tight head what's up with that? Telefoni should be the third hooker seeing he can play prop.
Brynlon please give us some answers or someone!!!