Showing posts with label Tonga Rugby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tonga Rugby. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

All Blacks Named To Face Tonga In First Test For 2021

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his first side for 2021 to face Tonga at Auckland's Mt. Smart Stadium, Saturday 3rd July 7.05pm.

The All Blacks side features second five Quinn Tupaea making his starting debut, while prop George Bower, loose forward Ethan Blackadder, and halfback Finlay Christie are named on the bench. Starting first five is Richie Mo'unga, fullback Damian McKenzie, and halfback Brad Weber, with both Beauden and Jordie Barrett in the reserves.

Because of Covid travel issues and European player unavailability, Tongan coach Toutai Kefu has had to source New Zealand based players, resulting in nine players making their starting debut. The side will be captained by Toulon halfback Sonatane Takulua, and has Chiefs forward Zane Kapeli, former Crusaders halfback Leon Fukofuka and ex-Highlander Nasi Manu.

All Blacks team:

  1. Karl Tu’inukuafe, (17)
  2. Dane Coles (74)
  3. Angus Ta’avao (14)
  4. Scott Barrett (36)
  5. Samuel Whitelock (122) – captain
  6. Akira Ioane (2)
  7. Dalton Papalii (4)
  8. Luke Jacobson (2)
  9. Brad Weber (7)
  10. Richie Mo’unga (22)
  11. George Bridge (10)
  12. Quinn Tupaea (new cap)
  13. Rieko Ioane (33)
  14. Will Jordan (2)
  15. Damian McKenzie (27)
  16. Asafo Aumua (1)
  17. George Bower (new cap)
  18. Tyrel Lomax (6)
  19. Patrick Tuipulotu (35)
  20. Ethan Blackadder (new cap)
  21. Finlay Christie (new cap)
  22. Beauden Barrett (88)
  23. Jordie Barrett (23)

Tonga:

James Faiva, Hosea Saumaki, Fine Inisi, Nikolai Foliaki, Penikolo Latu, Kalione Hala, Sonatane Takulua (c); Sione Tu’ipolotu, Solomone Funaki, Mateaki Kafatolu, Zane Kapeli, Don Lolo, Sila Puafisi, Sam Moli, Duke Nginingini. 

Reserves: Siua Maile, Jethro Felemi, Tau Koloamatangi, Harrison Mataele, Viliami Taulani, Nasi Manu, Leon Fukofuka, Walter Fifita.