Rugby: Peina gets nod for last tour match

King Country first five-eighths Lee Peina has won selection ahead of his Marlborough rival Regan Finch for the Divisional XV's final rugby tour match, against a Tongan selection in Nuku'alofa today.

A conversion and six penalties at the weekend against a Samoan selection in the second tour match convinced coach Noel McQuilkin to retain Peina.

"It was just one of those things as far as selection goes," team manager Tony Thorpe said. "There were some tough calls, but others have been done because of the need to give some players a bit of a rest."

Bay of Plenty lock Paul Tupai and Wanganui flanker Chris Masoe have been rested, having played prominent roles in the past two games.

Nelson Bay's Cory Holdaway retains the No 6 jersey and Tafai Ioasa comes in at openside flanker.

Marlborough's Kahu Marfell gets to start at lock ahead of Tupai.

"There wasn't much separating the pair, it was just a judgment call on who to start and who to put on the bench.

"Paul has also played a bit in the other two games," Thorpe said.

The Divisional XV arrived in Tonga from Apia at midday yesterday and went for a brisk hit-out in the afternoon.

"We've settled in well, had a good run, but we don't know anything about our opposition," Thorpe said.

Divisional XV: Mark Milne, Dwayne Kemp, Hayden Martine, Kuke Asolupe, Joe Fa'aiu, Lee Peina, Dion Mytton, Clayton McMillan (capt), Tafai Ioasa, Kahu Marfell, Reece Robinson, Cory Holdaway, Daniel Godbold, Thompson Tapsell, Steve Simpkins. Reserves: Keith Pryor, Regan Finch, Paul Tupai, Chris Masoe, Blair Mirfin, Matt Porter, Peter Bielski.

- NZPA