Sione Kalamafoni will start in Tonga’s back row against the All Blacks on Saturday in the final warm-up fixture before the Rugby World Cup.
The Leicester Tigers forward, who has 32 Test caps, is preparing for his third World Cup tournament after playing a prominent part in 2011 and 2015.
Club colleague Telusa Veainu is also named in the Tongan squad for Japan but is not in the matchday 23 for this weekend’s fixture in Hamilton.
New Zealand: Ben Smith, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Ardie Savea, Matt Todd, Kieran Read (c). Replacements: Liam Coltman, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, Aaron Smith. Josh Ioane, Jordie Barrett.
Tonga: David Halaifonua, Cooper Vuna, Malietoa Hingano, Siale Piutau (c), Viliami Lolohea, Kurt Morath, Sonatane Takulua; Siegfried Fisiihoi, Siua Maile, Siua Halanukonuka, Sam Lousi, Leva Fifita, Sione Kalamafoni, Fotu Lokotui, Maama Vaipulu. Reserves: Sione Anga'aelangi, Vunipola Fifita, Ma'afu Fia, Dan Faleafa, Zane Kapeli, Leon Fukofuka, James Faiva, Atieli Pakalani.
Tonga open their World Cup campaign against England on Sunday, September 22 (11.15am UK time) and there is full coverage on the big screen in the Final Whistle at Welford Road at our free Kegs and Eggs event. You can join us by registering now by clicking here.
