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Rugby News

Kalamafoni included as Tonga take on Fiji

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Leicester Tigers back-rower Sione Kalamafoni has been named in Tonga’s matchday squad for a Rugby World Cup warm-up game against Fiji.

Kalamafoni, who has 31 international caps to date, is named as a replacement while former Tigers Steve Mafi and Afa Pakalani are both included in the starting side.

Tigers full-back Telusa Veainu has also been training with the national set-up.

Tonga face Fiji at Eden Park this Saturday, August 31 (kick-off 4.30pm, local time), before taking on the All Blacks in the first week of September.

Fiji include former Tigers players Campese Ma'afu and Vereniki Goneva in their starting XV.

Kalamafoni made 24 appearances in Tigers colours last season, scoring four tries in the process and making more carries than any other player in league action. He was also ranked third in the Gallagher Premiership for tackles made.

Tonga’s Cup campaign gets underway against England in Pool C on Sunday, September 22 with further group games against Argentina, France and the USA.

Tonga: 15 D Halaifonua, 14 A Pakalani, 13 S Piutau (c), 12 C Vuna, 11 V Lolohea, 10 J Faiva, 9 S Takulua; 1 S Fisi’ihoi, 2 P Ngauamo, 3 S Halanukonuka, 4 S Lousi, 5 L Fifita, 6 S Mafi, 7 F Lokotui, 8 M Vaipulu.

Replacements: 16 S Sakalia, 17 V Fifita, 18 M Fia, 19 Z Kapeli, 20 S Kalamafoni, 21 L Fukofuka, 22 K Morath, 23 M Hingano.

Fiji: 15 Alivereti Veitokani, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Levani Botia, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani; 1 Campese Ma’afu, 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Kalivati Tawake, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7 Semi Kunatani, 8 Peceli Yato.

Replacements: 16 Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Tevita Ratuva, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Waisea Nayacalevu.