Tonga's Enele Taufa (front) has been replaced by Sione Tu'ipulotu for the game against South Africa. Photo / Reuters
MONTPELLIER - Tonga have made four changes to their starting 15 for the World Cup rugby pool match against South Africa in Lens starting at midnight Sunday (NZT).
The Pacific islanders resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to the side who beat Samoa last weekend and save
their best players for their final pool A match against England.
"We have said all along that we take things game by game and that we will try to win every game," Tonga coach Quddus Fielea said today.
"We had some targets when we arrived and realistically you could say that we've achieved that. Anything now is a bonus."
Halfback Sione Tu'ipulotu replaced Enele Taufa in the only change to the backline while there were three new faces in the forward pack.
Aleki Lutui replaced Ephraim Taukafa at hooker, Emosi Kauhenga starts at lock at the expense of Inoke Afeaki and blindside flanker Viliami Vaki comes in for Hale T-Pole, who is serving a one match suspension after being sent off for elbowing against Samoa.
Tonga won their first two games against the United States and Samoa and could reach the quarterfinals for the first time if they pull off an upset against either South Africa and England.
"We're going to enjoy it. There's no pressure on us, but we're here to win," Tongan centre Epeli Taionehe said.
Tonga: Vunga Lilo, Tevita Tu'ifua, Suka Hufanga, Epeli Taione, Sefa Vaka, Pierre Hola, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Finau Maka, Nili Latu (captain), Viliami Vaki, Emosi Kauhenga, Paino Hehea, Kisi Pulu, Aleki Lutui, Soane Tonga'uiha.
Reserves: Ephraim Taukafa, Taufa'ao Filise, Inoke Afeaki, Lotu Filipine, Soane Havea, Isileli Tupou, Aisea Havili.
- REUTERS
