Sea Eagles buffeted by the winds
Officially Rugby World Cup 2007’s smallest nation, the Tongan archipelago nevertheless boasts a reservoir of impressive players whose talents are coveted by the heavyweights.
Tonga and their Pacific neighbours, Samoa and Fiji, all of whom sport the Pacific Islanders shirt, also share the same passion for Rugby. Such is their passion that the 100,000-strong Pacific Island has a perfect qualifying track-record in the planet’s greatest sporting event - well almost. The “Sea Eagles” have played in every World Cup, except once, in 1991. Powerful, fast, and sharp with the ball, Tonga differs from its neighbours on one point only: they have never reached Rugby World Cup quarter-finals and only have two victories to their bow. They beat Ivory Coast in 1995, then Italy in 1999.
“Player-drain” is the culprit. Following Johah Lomu’s example, some uncut diamonds choose to leave Tonga and don shirts for Australia and New Zealand. Some have been known to export their talent to European clubs. Although they are up against a few high-profile teams in Pool A - England, South Africa, Samoa and the United States -Tonga will not go out without a fight. The 2007 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup promises to be one of the high points of RWC2007, fuelled, of course, by the “duel of the hakas” confronting the Tongan Kailo and the Samoan Siva Tau.
Colours: |
Red jersey, white shorts, red socks |
Nick-name: |
The Sea Eagles (Ikale Tahi) |
National Anthem: |
Koe Fasi Oe Tui Oe Otu Tonga |
IRB World Ranking (in February, 2007): |
17th |
Rugby World Cup Record: |
Eliminated at pool stage: 1987, 1995, 1999 and 2003 Did not compete in 1991 13 matches played, 2 wins, 11 defeats 166 points scored, 537 points conceded |
Head coach: |
Adam Leach |
Squad Member List: |
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 (captain), Tevita Hale Nai Tu'uhoko, Viliami Laukau Vaki, Finau Maka, 'Osaiasi 'Alu-moe-Lotu Filipine, 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. |
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