Tonga ready to take the fight to Wales

BBC1, 2.30pm Saturday

Tonga have never turned over Wales in eight attempts but they have worked the Dragons hard at two World Cups - on their last trip to Cardiff five years ago and in Auckland in June last year.

Back the Ikale Tahi to stay within 18 points of their hosts at the Principality Stadium. A lively 49-38 win over the French Barbarians last weekend suggests they are in fine fettle.

Star outside backs David Halaifonua and Cooper Vuna are unavailable but Bristol centre Siale Piutau and full-back Vunga Lilo know where the tryline is.

Fly-half Kurt Morath is an experienced campaigner capable of kicking goals and putting his backs into space and his forwards into the right positions to strike.

Scrum-half Sonatale Takalua starred in Newcastle’s fourth-place finish in the Premiership last season with his sniping runs and clever kicks.

The much-travelled Steve Mafi is the fulcrum of a Tonga pack whose the power and mobility has caught the attention of European clubs. Ospreys prop Ma’afu Fia will no doubt relish tackling his Pro14 colleagues and rivals.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is putting faith in his rookies to brush off the likely hard hits and thrive after last Saturday’s gruelling first win over Australia in 14 clashes.

Only Liam Williams, Dan Biggar and Jake Ball of the starting side have more than 25 caps.

Gatland was rewarded with three wins in the summer when he mixed up his sides for the sole Test with South Africa in Washington DC and two games in Argentina and it should work again.

However, a second-string Springboks side were only edged out by two points and the Pumas had clearly become disenchanted with the guidance of Daniel Hourcade.

There is no doubting the talent on show in the Wales team, but their performance may not be fluid enough for them to push clear for a wide-margin win.

Recommendation
Tonga +18
1pt Evs general

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