8 Oct 2015

Tonga make one change for All Blacks

12:39 pm on 8 October 2015

Tonga have made just one change to their starting side for Saturday's final Rugby World Cup pool match against the All Blacks in Newcastle.

Latiume Fosita replaces Sione Piukala at second five in the only change from the team thrashed 45-16 by Argentina.

Tonga's Latiume Fosita scores against Namibia at the Rugby World Cup.

Tonga's Latiume Fosita scores against Namibia at the Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP

The run-on team is Tonga's most experienced ever in a World Cup match with 360 caps, beating the mark of 349 set against the Pumas.

Sione Kalamafoni, Viliami Ma'afu, Sonatane Takulua, Siale Piutau, Telusa Veainu and Vungakoto Lilo will all be making their fourth consecutive start at the tournament.

Meanwhile Steve Mafi is bracketed on the bench with 'Uili Kolo'ofa'I and Hale T-Pole, while Jack Ram returns to the reserves.

Tonga team

1. Soane Tonga'uiha

2. Elvis Taione

3. Halani 'Aulika

4. Tukulua Lokotui

5. Joseph Tuineau

6. Sione Kalamafoni

7. Nili Latu (captain)

8. Viliami Ma'afu

9. Sonatane Takulua

10. Kurt Morath

11. Fetu'u Vainikolo

12. Latiume Fosita

13. Siale Piutau

14. Telusa Veainu

15. Vungakoto Lilo

Replacements

16. Paula Ngauamo

17. Sona Taumalolo

18. Sila Puafisi

19. Steve Mafi / 'Uili Kolo'ofa'i / Hale T-Pole

20. Jack Ram

21. Samisoni Fisilau

22. Viliami Tahitua

23. Will Helu