Pre WC Test: New Zealand v Tonga this Saturday

[Sabu_2008]

New Zealand:

1. Lance Hohaia
2. Sam Perrett
3. Steve Matai
4. Jarome Ropati
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Benji Marshall
7. Thomas Leuleuai
8. Nathan Cayless (c)
9. Nathan Fien
10. Sam Rapira
11. Simon Mannering
12. Setaimata Sa
13. Jeremy Smith

14. Isaac Luke
15. Sika Manu
16. Greg Eastwood
17. Adam Blair
18. David Fa'alago
19. Krisnan Inu (Two to be ommitted)

Tonga:

1. Fetuli Talanoa
2. Cooper Vuna
3. Michael Jennings
4. Andrew Emilio
5. Tony Williams
6. Feleti Mateo
7. Eddie Paea
8. Lopini Paea (c)
9. Tevita Leo-Latu
10. Antonio Kaufusi
11. Richard Fa'aoso
12. Epalahame Laukai
13. Awen Guttenbeil

14. Willie Manu
15. Sam Moa
16. Manese Manuokafoa
17. Micky Paea
18. Esikeli Tonga
19. Joel Taufa'ao (Two to be omitted)

2:30pm, Mount Smart, Auckland.


Discuss...

 

[Major JW Hochstetter]

Any complacency or glaring rustiness from the Kiwis and they're toast. Otherwise, NZ by 10+.

 

[mick]

Discuss? Well, firstly, FMD that has the potential to be a ripper match! Kiwis might have a definite challenge on their hands, but will be much better at the start of the WC for the hit-out. The likes of Mateo and Jennings should ensure that they need to keep their defence nice and tight or else they could leak quite a few points.

I'll say NZ by 14, but agree that they will have to be on their game.

 

[Je$ter]

If Tonga had Moi Moi, Tuaki and Tupou they would be contenders for the title imo. Without those 3 they lack a bit of depth, but they'll still give the kiwis a run for their moeny.

 

[Clintos]

I see Eddie Paea at halfback and rule out Tonga.

 

[Jeba]

I see Eddie Paea at halfback and rule out Tonga.

NZ have Leuleuai though so the 2 cancel each other out.

 

[mick]

NZ "should" win but I will not be one bit surprised if Tonga beat them. NZ like to choke.

Nah.

NZ sporting teams rarely choke when nothing's on the line. They'll win warm-up and pool games easily.

I'm still convinced the All Blacks could've faced off against East Timor in the RUWC final and lost. [icon_lol1.

If I were a NZ supporter, I'd be very concerned if they were facing Scotland in this year's RLWC decider.

 

[Sabu_2008]

Should be a fun game. Tonga look very good on paper. Plenty of big hits, plenty of flair to come too.

We should win, but I think we'll do it tough.

 

[mick]

Can't see that this game is being broadcast... anyone know if it will at least be on FOX?

 

[cam]

Its not on FOX.

 

[Kimlo]

So does anyone know if this will be broadcast on any tv station?

 

[mick]

So does anyone know if this will be broadcast on any tv station?

All of my research so far has come up with zippo, unfortunately. [icon_thumbs_do

 

[Coxy]

No.

 

[Sabu_2008]

We're getting it live here, for obvious reasons, but its one of those games that could draw a decent audience should it be broadcasted in Australia. Gutted about the way they market the game.

 

[ethos]

Kiwis up 22-0 after 30mins apparently.

 

[Major JW Hochstetter]

H/T, no change to the score.

 

[Je$ter]

58-6.

Tonga seemed to suck really hard.

 

[Coxy]

lolz. Tonga are a contender. Rofl.