Tonga head coach Quddus Fielea has announced his 30-man squad for Rugby World Cup 2007, with Inoke Afeaki poised for this third tournament having also played in 1995 and captained the ‘Ikale Tahi in 2003.
The second row is one of a number of players to have been involved in the last World Cup to make the squad, including Ephraim Taukafa, Viliami Vaki, Pierre Hola, Tevita Tu’ifua and Sukanaivalu Hufanga.
Many of the others have played for Tonga in this year’s IRB Pacific Nations Cup, a tournament in which Fielea’s side finished fourth with one victory - 21-15 - over Fiji. They also lost 50-3 to their World Cup opponents Samoa in the final round.
Tonga have been draw in Pool A with defending champions England, South Africa, Samoa and USA after negotiating the Repechage. They will hope to record a first RWC win in six when they kick off against the USA Eagles in Montpellier on 12 September.
The squad will leave Tonga on Saturday to travel to New Zealand for a friendly against Auckland B on 15 August before heading for Scotland and another match against Edinburgh at Inverleith.
Tonga squad:
Forwards: Toma Toke, Mosese Moala, Taufa'ao Filise, Soane Longopoa Tonga'uiha, Siosateki Havea Mata'u, Ephraim Taukafa, 'Aleki 'Aho Lutui, Kelekolio Paino Hehea, Inoke Unga'anga Afeaki, Lisiate Fa'aoso, 'Emosi Kauhenga, 'Otenili Langilangi, Tevita Hale Nai Tu'uhoko, Viliami Laukau Vaki, Finau Maka, 'Osaiasi 'Alu-moe-Lotu Filipine.
Backs: Soane Patita Pat Boone Sioape Havea, 'Enele Taufa, Raymond Pierre Hola, Tevita Hemilitoni Tu'ifua, 'Epeli Taione, Joseph Wilson Vaka, Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga, 'Isileli Matakaiongo Tupou, Seti Kiole, Ualosi Kailea, 'Aisea Paseisei Havili Kaufusi, Vungakoto Filimone Lilo, Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu, Hudson Tonga'uiha.