Boosted by former All Blacks and Wallabies, Tonga will target the Springboks for an upset at the 2023 World Cup in France.
Tonga are part of a ‘Pool of Death’ at the World Cup, alongside the Springboks, Ireland and Scotland, while Romaina complete Pool B. The Pacific Island nation has never finished beyond the pool stage at the World Cup, but they are aiming to reach new heights in France.
A change in World Rugby’s eligibility rules has allowed Tonga to boost their squad with players capped by New Zealand and Australia.
Former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau could be joined by former All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa, Vaea Fifita, Charles Piutau, George Moala and Augustine Pulu in playing for Tonga at the World Cup.
“I think this is the strongest team Tonga will ever select,” Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu, a former Australia international, told Rapport. “It would mean the world to us to beat a team like South Africa, Ireland or Scotland.”
Photo: Getty Images