Tonga have revamped their backline among five changes to the team to face Georgia in a one-off rugby test in Suva on Saturday.
Kali Hala has been named to make his first test start at first five, with Latiume Fosita shifting to second five in place of Viliami Hakalo, who drops to the bench.
Kali Hala, playing here for Auckland club side Grammar TEC, will start at first five for Tonga against Fiji. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Pila Iongi swaps to the left wing, with Otulea Katoa on the right while Apakuki Ma'afu gets his first start at centre in places of Nafi Tuitavake.
In the only change to the starting pack, Sione Tau is given a start at number eight in place of Sione Kalamafoni.
Wayne Ngaluafe, playing here for Auckland, could make his test debut for Tonga this weekend. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand based duo Mikaele Mafi and Wayne Ngaluafe could make their test debuts after being included in the reserves.
The 'Ikale Tahi were beaten 23-18 by Fiji in their Pacific Nations Cup opener last weekend while Georgia drew 19-19 against Samoa in Apia.
Tonga squad:
Eddie Aholeilei, Elvis Taione, Sione Faletau, Uili Kolo'ofai, Dan Faleafa, Nili Latu (c), Jack Ram, Sione Tau, Tane Takulua, Kali Hala, Pila Iongi, Latiume Fosita, Apakuki Ma'afu, Otulea Katoa, Tevita Halaifonua. Bench: Kama Sakalia, Sione Anga'aelangi, Sila Puafusi, Opeti Fonua, Mikaele Mafi, Wayne Ngaluafe, Viliami Hakalo, Taniela Kilioni.
