RWC Warm-Up – Tonga vs Canada – ARN Guide

Canada’s Senior Men’s side will play their first test since November when they take on Tonga in Nuku’alofa on Thursday afternoon local time, late Wednesday night in North America. It’s the first of two tests at the home of the Ikale Tahi, who are preparing for the fast-approaching Rugby World Cup.

Kingsley Jones remains at the helm of the Canadians, who for the first time did not qualify for the world’s flagship tournament. Following a 12-day training camp in Fiji, the Welshman has named one debutant in the starting lineup with three more uncapped players in reserve.

Conor Young gets his first start at tighthead prop with Free Jacks clubmate Cole Keith joining the squad from New Zealand to provide cover from the bench. Giant UBC graduate Izzak Kelly wins his first cap at lock, having recently spent time in New Zealand, and the first start for Mason Flesch comes on the blindside flank.

Robbie Povey gets the nod at flyhalf having recently made the switch from Houston to Toronto, with Isaac Olson one of three New England players in the backline including both midfielders. Peter Nelson lines up at fullback for just the third time in a Canadian shirt, the last time coming against Tonga four years ago.

Among the replacements are three newcomers. Pontypridd openside Sion Parry is set for his international bow after receiving a surprise call-up by Jones, while Arrows duo Travis Larsen and Mitch Richardson should win their first caps having previously represented Canada at senior ‘A’ level.

Tonga enter the match having played four matches in the past month. The first was a victory over Australia ‘A’ in Nuku’alofa, followed by three Pacific Nations Cup defeats on the road. Toutai Kefu’s men were competitive against Fiji and Japan but failed to impress against Samoa.

Kefu has made wholesale changes with a mix of first- and second-choice players. Included are three All Blacks in midfield pairing George Moala and Malakai Fekitoa, and reserve forward Vaea Fifita. Former Wallaby lock or loose forward Lopeti Timani is also on the bench, and there is a surprise call-up for ex-Utah scrumhalf Johnny Ika as a replacement.

Humid conditions are expected at game time which favors the home side though the Canadians will be somewhat adapted from their time spent in Fiji. Historically the Maple Leafs have had the edge but their recent form has been poor, while the Ikale Tahi are now eight spots ahead in 15th on the world rankings. Take the home side as clear favorites.

Kickoff is set for 3pm Thursday local time, 7pm Wednesday Pacific, 10pm Wednesday Eastern. EDIT: A live stream has been found on Facebook, despite Rugby Canada’s claims that the match would not be available to Canadian viewers.

TONGA
1 Tau Koloamatangi, 2 Sam Moli, 3 David Lolohea, 4 Steve Mafi, 5 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 6 Solomone Funaki, 7 Sione Havili, 8 Sione Vailanu, 9 Tane Takulua (capt.), 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Fine Inisi, 12 George Moala, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Afusipa Taumoepeau

Replacements: 16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Fe’ao Fotu’aika, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Vaea Fitita, 20 Lopeti Timani, 21 Johnny Ika, 22 Otumaka Mausia, 23 Solomone Kata

CANADA
1 Liam Murray, 2 Andrew Quattrin, 3 Conor Young, 4 Izzak Kelly, 5 Conor Keys, 6 Mason Flesch, 7 Lucas Rumball (capt.), 8 Siaki Vikilani, 9 Ross Braude, 10 Robbie Povey, 11 Isaac Olson, 12 Spencer Jones, 13 Ben LeSage, 14 Kainoa Lloyd, 15 Peter Nelson

Replacements: 16 Foster DeWitt, 17 Djustice Sears-Duru, 18 Cole Keith, 19 Piers von Dadelszen, 20 Sion Parry, 21 Travis Larsen, 22 Jason Higgins, 23 Mitch Richardson

Date: Thursday, August 10 (Wednesday, August 9 in North America)
Kickoff: 15:00 local (Wednesday 19:00 Pacific, 22:00 Eastern)
Venue: Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa
Broadcasts: Facebook

Referee: Jordan Way (Australia)
Assistants: James Doleman (New Zealand) & Tevita Rokovereni (Fiji)
TMO: n/a

vs
HISTORICAL RESULTS
2019-08-09 – Tonga 33, Canada 23 (Lautoka)
2015-07-24 – Canada 18, Tonga 28 (Burnaby)
2013-06-18 – Canada 36, Tonga 27 (Kingston)
2011-09-14 – Canada 25, Tonga 20 (Whangarei)*
2003-10-29 – Canada 24, Tonga 7 (Wollongong)*
2000-05-20 – Canada 26, Tonga 23 (Vancouver)
1999-07-05 – Tonga 18, Canada 10 (Nuku’alofa)
1987-05-24 – Canada 37, Tonga 4 (Napier)*
1974-10-25 – Canada 40, Tonga 14 (Vancouver)

*Rugby World Cup

Tonga Wins: 3
Canada Wins: 6