Pacific

Sport: Tonga name Rugby World Cup squad

11:20 am on 24 August 2011

Tonga have announced their squad for the Rugby World Cup which will be captained by the France-based loose forward Finau Maka, brother of coach Isitolo.

There are six overseas players in the 30 man squad squad including New Zealand-based Taniela Moa.

Just four players played in the previous World Cup.

The Tonga squad are:

1. 'Aleki 'Aho Lutui

2. Ephraim Taukafa

3. 'Aloisio 'Ilaisa Ma'asi

4. 'Alisona Taumalolo

5. Kisi Pulu

6. Soane Longopoa Tonga'uiha

7. Halani 'Aulika

8. Taufa'ao Filise

9. Kelekolio Paino Hehea

10. Sione Lamipeti Ngalu Timani

11. Tukulua Lokotui

12. Joseph Mark Laifone Tu'ineau

13. Sione Ma'ake Kalamafoni

14. Finau Maka, (Captain)

15. Viliami Suaesi Ma'afu

16. Samiu Vahafolau

17. Sione Vaiomo'unga

18. Taniela Moa

19. Thomas Taufoou Palu

20. Samisoni Fisilau

21. Kurt Stanley Morath

22. Siale Vailea Piutau

23. Latu 'Alipate H Naqasima Fatafehi

24. Andrew Kautonga Ma'ilei

25. Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga

26. William Fetu'ufuka Ukumaki Helu

27. Fetu'umoana Vainikolo

28. Alaska Nikolasi Taufa

29. Viliame Volovola 'Iongi

30. Vungakoto Lilo (Vice Captain)

Tonga will play the All Blacks in the opening World Cup game on September 9.