Wales v Tonga Preview - It's Physical
By Lestyn - 17/10/03
October 17 2003
"Physical" has definitely been this week's most used word as Wales head into their second World cup game. After a slightly easier than expected ride against Canada last week, expectations are high even if the performance wasn't exactly England beating standard.
Had the draw been a little different, or fairer for that matter, the prospect of a tie with the South Sea islanders would have been a lot more daunting. But after a draining encounter with Italy on Wednesday, it's
difficult to see them sustaining their usual heavy hitting game for the full eighty minutes.
Unfortunately like all the not so well off countries in the cup, Tonga will be without their star names. Warriors wing Aisea Havilli is absent, along with Scarlet Selesi Finau. But one Welsh based Tongan Silo Martens does make the journey, even if such is the unions financial worries, the scrum half has had to pay for his own air fare down under.
Influential captain Inoke Afeaki will also be absent from Sunday's match, after being concussed against Italy. But the
Tongans were so desperate to get the flanker fit in time, they tried the old "Tongan magic" excuse.
In contrast, for Wales it's a case of looking at different options in the squad. After not going to the tournament with a natural openside, Hansen has opted for Charvis there, with Alix Popham coming in at eight, to give the back row a more powerful, than dynamic look to it.
Up front Robert Sidoli returns to partner Gareth Llewellyn in the second row, I would have thought Brent Cockbain after been the better more physical option. Hopefully like Martyn Williams, he's being rested for next week. Iestyn Thomas also returns to re-form his propping partnership with Gethin Jenkins. At hooker Huw Bennett remains on the bench, as Mefin Davies leapfrogs him into the number two jersey.
Stephen Jones's kicking is preferred to Ceri Sweeney's more running game, a good descion based on Italian outside half Rima Wakarua
demonstrated that the South Sea Islanders can be easily kicked off the park.
It was inevitable that Iestyn would be dropped after such a superb display last week, with the Taylor-Parker partnership looking more of a suitable option, with the Tongans defence sure to be in heavy hitting mood. However Taylor's distribution is a little suspect, and Hansen has kept Harris on the bench just in case.
The back three is the as the one that faced the Wallabies and All Blacks back in June. Kevin Morgan who looked a little shaky after his much awaited return last weekend is rested, with Rhys Williams looking to improve defensively from his past outings at Full back. Gareth Thomas is another rested, so not for the first time Tom Shanklin is used as a make shift wing, as a stronger alternative than Shane Williams.
Hansen's attempt to try and match Tonga's usual aggressive game, could work well, but then again
it could back fire. What is important against a side like Tonga is that we take the sting out of their usual "in your face" tactics, early on. Based on the teams either side are putting out, I would expect a comfortable Welsh win and a bonus point. Tonga simply lack like Canada the all round quality to be a serious threat.
Teams;
|
Wales |
|
Tonga |
||
|
1. |
Iestyn Thomas |
|
1. |
Kisi Pulu |
|
2. |
Mefin Davies |
|
2. |
Viliami Ma'asi |
|
3. |
Gethin Jenkins |
|
3. |
Heamani Lavaka |
|
4. |
Robert Sidoli |
|
4. |
Usaia Latu |
|
5. |
Gareth Llewellyn |
|
5. |
Viliami Vaki |
|
6. |
Dafydd Jones |
|
6. |
Ipolito Fenukitau |
|
7. |
Colin Charvis (Capt) |
|
7. |
Stanley Afeaki |
|
8. |
Alix Popham |
|
8. |
Benhur Kivalu |
|
9. |
Gareth Cooper |
|
9. |
Sililo Martens |
|
10. |
Stephen Jones |
|
10. |
Sateki Tu'ipulotu |
|
11. |
Mark Jones |
|
11. |
Tevita Tu'ifua |
|
12. |
Mark Taylor |
|
12. |
John Payne |
|
13. |
Sonny Parker |
|
13. |
Sukanaivalu Hufanga |
|
14. |
Mark Jones |
|
14. |
Sione Fonua |
|
15. |
Rhys Williams |
|
15. |
Pierre Hola |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Replacements |
|
Replacements |
||
|
16. |
Huw Bennett |
|
16. |
Ephram Taukafa |
|
17. |
Adam Jones |
|
17. |
Tonga Lea'aetoa |
|
18. |
Chris Wyatt |
|
18. |
Milton Ngauamo |
|
19. |
Martyn Williams |
|
19. |
Nisifolo Naufahu |
|
20. |
Dwayne Peel |
|
20. |
David Palu |
|
21. |
Iestyn Harris |
|
21. |
Gus Leger |
|
22. |
Garan Evans |
|
22. |
Sila Va'enuku |
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