16 Nov 2012

Sport: Latu back to captain Tonga v USA

12:38 pm on 16 November 2012

The return of captain Nili Latu is the sole change for Tonga ahead of Sunday morning's rugby international against the USA in the North of Wales.

Latu missed last week's narrow defeat to Italy through suspension, although he did start against the Newcastle Falcons in midweek.

He takes the place of Sione Vaiomo'unga on the openside flank and fellow backrower Vilaimi Ma'afu says it's good to have him back.

"Big boost for the team to have Nili back starting seven and lead the team out. He's always a good leader for Tonga and he always plays with his heart, and that's what we team need in the team at the moment, so we're looking forward to the game on Saturday against USA."

The full team is:

1Alisona TaumaloloPerpignan2Elvis TaioneWestern Force3Halani 'AulikaLondon Irish4Joe Tu'ineau Aix en Provence5Tukulua LokotuiWellington6Sitiveni MafiLeicester7Nili Latu (C)NEC8Viliami Ma'afu9Taniela MoaPau10Fangatapu 'Apikotoa Amatori Rugby11Fetu'u VainikoloConnacht12Sione PiukalaPerpignan13Sukanaivalu Hufanga Newcastle Falcons14Will HeluFasi Ma'ufanga15Vungakoto LiloTarbes Pyrenees16Ilaisa Ma'asi Counties Manukau17Kisi PuluPerpignan18Tevita MailauMont De Marsan19Hale T Pole Northland20Josh AfuSunnybank21Viliame 'longiMarist Longoteme22Eddie PaeaEastern Suburbs23Alipate FatafehiLyon