14 new caps have been named in the Cook Islands team to face Tonga in Saturday's Rugby World Cup Asia/Pacific Qualifier in Pukekohe.
The Cook Islands men's rugby team huddle together before kickoff. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
Former Highlanders and Southland loose forward Tupou Sopoaga will captain his country on test debut and is one of 11 new faces in the starting side.
The former Cook Islands rugby league international will start on the openside flank and is one of three brothers in the matchday squad, with Tokahirere Sopoaga at halfback and hooker Ezekiel Sopoaga on the bench.
Prop Alex Matapo, flanker Rob Heather, and first five Reece Joyce and replacements Tuakana Paitai and Matamanea Matapakia are the only players who were part of the Cook Islands last World Cup qualifying campaign in 2018.
The team was edged 31-24 by Tasman two weeks ago, in their first competitive match in three years, and outclassed 73-0 by the New Zealand Under-20s side last weekend.
Meanwhile, an understrength 'Ikale Tahi suffered back-to-back defeats against Manu Samoa in their World Cup qualifier.
Tonga have won all three previous tests against the Cook Islands, with their last match-up back in 2006.
Tonga will face the Cook Islands after losing back to back tests against Samoa. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The winner of Saturday's one-off clash will advance to the Asia/Pacific playoff against Hong Kong, Korea or Malaysia for a place at the 2023 World Cup in France.
The loser of that tie will be involved in the final qualification tournament featuring teams from Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Cook Islands team:
1. Antonio Ripata*, 2. Ben Tou*, 3. Alex Matapo, 4. Tahquinn Hansen*, 5. Oneal Rongo, 6. Rob Heather, 7. Tupou Sopoaga* (c), 8. Leroy Henry-Jack*, 9. Tokahirere Sopoaga*, 10. Reece Joyce, 11. Tevita Yamaraki*, 12. Leon Ellia-Niukore*, 13. Junior Taia*, 14. Materua Tupou*, 15. Te Puhi Rudolph*. Reserves: 16. James Pakoti, 17. Tuakana Paitai, 18. Ezekiel Sopoaga*, 19. James Kora, 20. Jardine Pumati Chung-Ching*, 21. Francis Smith, 22. Gideon Kautai*, 23. Matamanea Matapakia.
* denotes test debut
