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Tonga’s Nili Latu Langilangi in action against Argentina. (Reuters)
AFP/London
Tonga stalwart Nili Latu gets a one and only chance to play the All Blacks before stepping off the international stage tomorrow. Tonga have made one change for their Pool C match against the All Blacks in Newcastle with Latiume Fosita replacing Sione Piukala at inside-centre.
Latu, 33, captains the side in what is his 43rd Test since making his debut in 2006. A 2007 World Cup veteran who was omitted from their 2011 squad, Latu has spent many years playing provincial and Super rugby in New Zealand.
But a Test match against the All Blacks has always eluded him until now and the loose forward said he was relishing the chance to play the top-ranked side before seeing out his playing days with the Newcastle Falcons.
“I believe this could be my last season with the international team and it’s just a perfect way of going out,” Latu said.
“I’m really excited about the game. I played a bit of rugby over in New Zealand with Richie (injured New Zealand captain McCaw), and a lot of the All Black boys are my friends as well.
“It’ll be good to rub shoulders with them but this could be my first and last game against the All Blacks.”
Apart from replacing Piukala, coach Mana Otai has given the rest of the side that fell apart against Argentina a shot at redemption. From being narrowly behind 20-16 at the break, Tonga failed to fire a shot in the second half against the Pumas and were beaten 45-16.
The one change is the least Tonga have made between World Cup games since 2003 when they kept the same side that lost to Wales to face the All Blacks in their next match. New Zealand won 91-7.
In this tournament, six of the side—Sione Kalamafoni, Viliami Ma’afu, Sonatane Takulua, Siale Piutau, Telusa Veainu and Vungakoto Lilo—will have played all four pool matches.
The team to play New Zealand this time has a Tongan record 360 caps which pales in comparison to the All Blacks with a combined 1,251 Tests worth of experience.
Team (15-1)
Vungakoto Lilo: Telusa Veainu, Siale Piutau, Latiume Fosita, Fetu’u Vainikolo; Kurt Morath, Sonatane Takulua; Viliami Ma’afu, Nili Latu (capt), Sione Kalamafoni; Joseph Tuineau, Tukulua Lokotui; Halani ‘Aulika, Elvis Taione, Soane Tonga’uiha.
Replacements: Paula Ngauamo, Sona Taumalolo, Sila Puafisi, Sitiveni Mafi, Jack Ram, Samisoni Fisilau, Viliami Tahitua, Will Helu.
Coach: Mana Otai (TGA)
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