OSAKA, 24 Sep – Tonga fly-half James Faiva should get the chance to confirm his status as one of the most promising young players of RWC 2019 against Argentina on Saturday.

The 25-year-old came on for the last half-hour of the Sea Eagles' defeat by England, and looks set to get the nod after Tonga lost key players to injury in Sapporo - fly-half Kurt Morath has had to be replaced in the squad, and centre Nafi Tuitavake has a broken arm.

Record points-scorer Morath, who came out of retirement to appear in his third World Cup at the age of 34, remains in hospital and may need throat surgery after a tackle on England’s two-try player-of-the-match Manu Tuilagi early in the second-half. Then, in their last attack of the game, Tuitavake broke his left arm.

Tonga have already called up 27-cap Latiume Fositaa as replacement for Morath, but Faiva, pictured above being tackled against England, played the last 30 minutes after Morath’s injury and is expected to start against Argentina in Hanazono on Saturday.

"We know the talent James has and we want him to express himself," said Tonga assistant coach Pita Alatini.

"He has grown in confidence since I first met him through club rugby in Auckland." 

England's Australian attack coach Scott Wisemantel spoke about the pleasure he takes from seeing Faiva in the Tonga squad. Wisemantel coached him under World Rugby’s programme to identify talent in the Pacific Islands by bringing them together as a combined side.

"It is deeply rewarding to see a guy come in from a village and at the end of the week he is off to play professional rugby," Wisemantel said.

“It aids that country and helps build the base so it is strong and there is financial reward that goes back to the family."

Faiva acknowledged Wisemantel's contribution to his development as a rugby player.

"Scott helped me a lot and pretty much changed the game for me. He made me believe in myself, challenge myself and keep working hard," he said.

That desire to challenge himself took him to Spanish club El Salvador, based in Vallaolid, for half of last season. Going to some bullfighting was certainly something different, given his background.

"An old coach of mine in New Zealand had a friend in Spain and made the connection for me to go there. I enjoyed it," Faiva said.

"It’s disappointing to lose Kurt the way we have, but we’ve got to keep moving forward as a team and I want to take the chance that has been given to me. It’s a great opportunity to show my talents."

RNS mg/dh/rl/ajr