GLOUCESTER, England – The Men’s Eagles will be captained by Scott LaValla Saturday in the penultimate test of 2014 against Tonga at Kingsholm Stadium. Following the 27-17 victory against Romania in Bucharest last weekend, in which LaValla was with his club, Stade Français, the Eagles jumped two spots in the IRB World Rankings from 18 to 16. Canada, comparatively, is ranked 17, while Tonga sits at 13. Mate Moeakiola replaces an injured Olive Kilifi at tight head prop to make his first start for the Eagles since IRB Rugby World Cup 2011. Moeakiola ended a three-year cap drought in Chicago Nov. 1 as the Eagles took on the New Zealand All Blacks in front of a sold-out crowd at Soldier Field and was an unused substitute in the defeat of Romania. Folau Niua will make his second consecutive start at full back. Tonga traveled to Tbilisi last weekend and defeated Georgia, 23-9, to end a streak of six winless matches dating back to summer 2013. The last victory for Ikale Tahi came against the Eagles at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. “They bring different open-field ability and dynamics that Romania don’t possess, so we need to be strong up front as well as very active in open play,” Tolkin said. Kickoff for the match at Kingsholm Stadium is set for 1645 L / 1645 GMT/ 11:45 a.m. ET Saturday, Nov. 15, with a live stream available on irb/live/video.html Mens Eagles | v Tonga 1. Nick Wallace 2. Phil Thiel 3. Mate Moeakiola 4. John Cullen 5. Greg Peterson 6. Scott LaValla (C) 7. John Quill 8. Matt Trouville 9. Mike Petri 10. Shalom Suniula 11. Tim Stanfill 12. Andrew Suniula 13. Seamus Kelly 14. Tim Maupin 15. Folau Niua Mens Eagles | Reserves 16. Tom Coolican 17. Angus Maclellan 18. Benjamin Tarr 19. Tai Tuisamoa 20. Kyle Sumsion 21. Todd Clever 22. Thretton Palamo 23. Ronald McLean Tonga | Starting XV 1. Tevita Mailau 2. Aleki Lutui 3. Paea Faanunu 4. Tukulua Lokotui 5. Joe Tuineau 6. Sione Kalamafoni 7. Nili Latu (C) 8. Viliami Maafu 9. Sonatane Takulua 10. Kurt Morath 11. Fetuu Vainikolo 12. Hermani Paea 13. Siale Piutau 14. David Halaifonua 15. Vungakoto Lilo Tonga | Reserves 16. Elvis Taione 17. Sione Lea 18. Sila Puafisi 19. Lisiate Faaoso 20. Hale T Pole 21. Taniula Moa 22. Latiume Fosita 23. Otulea Katoa Referee Appointments Mike Fraser (NZR) Andrew McMenemy (SRU) Lloyd Linton (SRU) No TMO
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 04:34:58 +0000