Star Players
How They've Fared
Although Tongan players are as big and powerful as their Samoan, and Fijian neighbours, they are yet to achieve the higher honours that so many Samoan, and Fijian players have. A much smaller portion of Tonga’s players have the expert coaching, and professional facilities of overseas clubs compared to their Polynesian rivals. The majority of the Tongan team play their rugby for much poorer Tongan clubs, or are in the lower ranks of the New Zealand third division club rugby. Albeit this means that the team comes together better, and forms better chemistry there is the negative that so many of their players have not got the facilities, or coaching required to truly tap into their potential. Players such as scrum half Samisoni Fisilau have enjoyed limited time with higher rank overseas clubs, and gained dividends from the experience in the top tier environments. There is at least a good outlook for the future of Tongan rugby, the squad is made of a mix of old players, such as captain Nili Latu who at 32 years of age is likely to be seeing his last world cup, and young players such as Daniel Kiloni (21) who will be witnessing his first ever world cup, and will have gained valuable insight from his fellow Tongan players.
Tonga had an indifferent 2011 RWC campaign winning 2 including a scalp against France, however they also underperformed in a game against Japan removing them from finals contention. This inconsistency remains to be an issue for Tonga, especially outside the pacific, losing to lower ranked Romania during the November internationals. However when Tonga prepares well, and works collectively as a team they are capable of upsetting most higher tier nations. An 18 all draw with higher ranked rivals Samoa in Samoa showed the teams grit, and determination during a tight Pacific Nations Cup game. The next week saw the wheels fall of as Tonga fell 45-17 against Fiji, this lack of consistency is hampering Tonga from succeeding, however with Jake White at the helm Tonga will have the better preparation that comes from a world class coach.
Jason Millich
19/09 Vs. Georgia
Kingsholm
29/09 Vs. Namibia
Sandy Park
04/10 Vs. Argentina
Leicester City Stadium
09/10 Vs. New Zealand
St. James Park