Team Tonga v Ireland | RWC 2023

Toutai Kefu has named his Tonga side for their opening game at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Ikale Tahi take on the world’s top ranked side Ireland at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Saturday [16 September].

Ben Tameifuna will captain the side at prop. He is joined in the front row by Siegfried Fisi’ihoi and hooker Paula Ngauamo.

Vice-captain Halaleva Fifita and Samiuela Lousi start at lock. Tanginoa Halaifonua and Sione Havili Talitui are named as flankers and Vaea Fifita completes the forward pack at No. 8.

Augustine Pulu starts at scrum half and William Havili is at fly half. Pita Akhi is inside centre and Malakai Fekitoa is outside centre.

Solomone Kata (left) and Afusipa Taumoepeau (right) are on the wings and Salesi Piutau completes the starting XV at full back.

The squad’s most-capped played, Sonatane Takulua, leads the substitutes. He is joined by Samiuela Moli, Sosefo ‘Apikotoa, Tau Koloamatangi, Semisi Paea, Solomone Funaki, Sione Vailanu and Fine Inisi.

In wider squad news, Feao Fotuaika (foot) and Otumaka Mausia (calf) suffered injuries which have ruled them out of the Rugby World Cup. Squad replacements will be announced in the coming days.

Head coach Kefu said: “This is a very exciting Tonga team who I think will prove to be very competitive against the best in the world.

The players are looking forward to playing the best and testing themselves against a confident, capable Ireland team. We’ve been watching them for 12 months now and they definitely deserve the No.1 team in the world tag.

The boys are excited to get out there and play. There will be no lack of motivation to do their country and their families proud.

Tonga will also take on Scotland (Sunday 24 September), South Africa (Sunday 1 October) and Romania (Sunday 8 October) in Pool B.