Tonga’s All Blacks convert star George Moala could be ruled out of the World Cup through suspension after being sent off for a tip-tackle in the warm-up against Canada on Thursday.
Featuring a handful of former All Blacks and Wallabies, Tonga claimed a 28-3 home victory over Canada in their penultimate World Cup warm-up match.
However, the hosts had to play most of the second half with 14 men after former New Zealand international Moala, playing at centre, was red-carded for dumping Canada’s Ben LeSage.
George Moala red card against Canada.🟥#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/M3Y950l9pp
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 10, 2023
Tonga will face an anxious wait to see if Moala is banned, with a potential six-match suspension for tip-tackles. The Pacific Islanders, in Pool B with the Springboks, have one more warm-up match against Canada on Tuesday, 15 August before getting their World Cup campaign underway against Ireland on Saturday, 16 September.