Rugby Test Match: Tongans take on Ireland 'A'

13.11.2009
Tonga v Ireland 'A' in Belfast

Venue: Ravenhill

Referee:

Preview
This may not even be a test match. Players for Ireland 'A' don't receive a test match credit, and usually Tonga will only award a 'cap' for matches against full international IRB rating sides. For example, Tonga does not award 'caps' against New Zealand Maori or Juniors in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Ireland 'A' were the successful 2009 Churchill Cup winners, the tournament held in Denver, USA. What looks like a young Tongan side will struggle against this Irish side.

Previous Encounters
Tonga has only ever played the full Irish side in previous tests
The last time was in 2003 when Ireland won 40-19 in Nuku'alofa, and prior to that in the first Rugby World Cup in 1987. That game was played in Brisbane, with Ireland winning 32-9.

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply.

Prediction: Ireland 'A' by 20 points.

Teams

Ireland 'A'
15. Gavin Duffy (Connacht)
14. Shane Horgan (Leinster) (capt)
13. Darren Cave (Ulster)
12. Fergus McFadden (Leinster)
11. Andrew Trimble (Ulster)
10. Ian Humphreys (Ulster)
9. Peter Stringer (Munster)
8. Chris Henry (Ulster)
7. Sean O'Brien (Leinster)
6. Neil Best (Northampton Saints, England)
5. Devin Toner (Leinster)
4. Donnacha Ryan (Munster)
3. Mike Ross (Leinster)
2. John Fogarty (Leinster)
1. Brett Wilkinson (Connacht)
Replacements:
16. Denis Fogarty (Munster)
17. Bryan Young (Ulster)
18. Daniel Tuohy (Ulster)
19. Kevin McLaughlin (Leinster)
20. Isaac Boss (Ulster)
21. Ian Keatley (Connacht)
22. Johne Murphy (Leicester Tigers, England)
Head Coach: Michael Bradley

http://www.irishrugby.ie/283_18824.php

Tonga
Vungakoto Filimone Lilo
Latu Nagashima
Alipate Fatafehi
Sukanaivalu Hufanga
Joseph Vaka
Poakikaifano Vakaloa
Kurt Morath
Kilifi Fangupo
Toma Toke
Semisi Telefoni
Mosese Moala
Kelekolio Paino Hehea (capt)
Emosi Kauhenga
Seti Filo
Uelenitoni Fono
Samiu Vahafolau.
Replacements From
Willam Mosaati Hafu
Po'alo'i Taula
Penisimani Fakalelu
Lisiate Faaoso
Rodney Mahe
Mahe Fangupo
Raymond Pierre Hola
Manu 'Ahota'e'iloa
Head Coach: Isitolo Maka

http://www.irishrugby.ie/283_18855.php