20 Nov 2008

Pacific Islanders ring the changes for final match against Italy

6:29 pm on 20 November 2008

The Tongan flanker Nili Latu will lead the Pacific Islanders against Italy on Saturday in their rugby tour finale after captain Mosese Rauluni was dropped to the reserves.

Rauluni led the Islanders in their first two Tests, the 39-13 loss to England and last weekend's 42-17 defeat from France.

But he's been replaced by Llanelli Scarlets halfback Sililo Martens among seven changes to the side facing the Azzurri in Rome.

Justin Va'a, who played England, was in for prop Kas Lealamanua, and lock Filipo Levi for Kele Leawere. Viliami Vaka replaced fellow Tongan Hale T Pole at flanker.

There was an entirely new back three for the Islanders, with Seilala Mapusua, Sailosi Tagicakibau and Kameli Ratuvou brought back for Seru Rabeni, the suspended Napolioni Nalaga and Gavin Williams.

Justin Va'a, who played England, comes in for prop Kas Lealamanua, also in are lock Filipo Levi and flanker Viliami Vaka.

There was an entirely new back three for the Islanders, with Seilala Mapusua, Sailosi Tagicakibau and Kameli Ratuvou brought back for Seru Rabeni, the suspended Napolioni Nalaga and Gavin Williams.