Tonga have made three changes to their starting lineup, including both wings, for the World Cup clash against the Springboks in Marseille on Sunday.
Semisi Paea steps into the breach at number eight, following Vaea Fifita’s four-game suspension, in a Tonga starting XV showing three changes to the one beaten by Scotland last week.
Paea packs down in the back row with blindside Tanginoa Halaifonua and openside Sione Havili Talitui, who has made the second most tackles in this tournament (37) behind Wales’ Jac Morgan (44).
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The two other changes come on the wings as Anzelo Tuitavuki makes his RWC debut on the left flank, with Afusipa Taumoepeau dropping to the bench, and Fine Inisi coming into the side on the right for Solomone Kata, who drops out of the matchday 23 altogether.
The front-row trinity of loosehead Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, hooker Paula Ngauamo and tighthead and captain Ben Tameifuna remains intact for the third match in a row. Between them, they have made 15 career World Cup appearances.
Leva Fifita and Sam Lousi’s second-partnership is also given another chance, despite a malfunctioning lineout, while Augustine Pulu and William Havili combine at half-back for the third match in a row.
Havili has been successful from all seven of his place-kick attempts.
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Tonga — 15 Salesi Piutau, 14 Fine Inisi, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Anzelo Tuitavuki, 10 William Havili, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Paea, 7 Sione Talitui, 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Halaleva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna (c), 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Subs: 16 Sam Moli, 17 Tau Koloamatangi, 18 Sosefo Apikotoa, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Sione Vailanu, 21 Sonatane Takulua, 22 Patrick Pellegrini, 23 Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Photo: Valery HACHE / AFP