14 Mar 2015

Sport: Tonga pin hopes on tactical switch

4:47 pm on 14 March 2015

The Tonga A rugby coach Isileli Fatani says he's completely changed their tactics for today's Pacific Challenge match against the Argentina Pampas XV.

The Kingdom were narrowly beaten 30-28 by Samoa A in their opening match on Tuesday, while Argentina edged Fiji Warriors 22-20.

Isileli Fatani says silly errors proved costly against Samoa and says they need to step up against an experienced Argentina side full of senior internationals.

"I've changed all our defence technique...because Argentina they've got real powerful forwards - all their line outs, mauls [and] counter-rucks. It's a good challenge for our local boys to play against - they've got lots of good players that have been representing their national team and I think it's a good challenge for our boys to improve themselves."

In today's other round two matches Samoa A take on Canada A followed by Junior Japan against Fiji Warriors.