Taukeiaho to Provide Punch for Tonga

Taukeiaho to Provide Punch for Tonga

Mate Ma’a Tonga coach Kristian Woolf will inject hard-running front rower Sio Siau Taukeiaho into Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final in Auckland.

Taukeiaho missed Tonga’s tight 24-22 quarter final win over Lebanon last week, but will return from a knee injury against the might of England.

With middle forwards Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo, Taukeiaho’s return will provide Tonga with the one-two-three punch that pushed them through the Rugby League World Cup preliminary rounds undefeated.

Also returning is mobile forward Peni Terepo, who missed the game against Lebanon because of an ankle injury.

Woolf has brought Terepo straight back onto the Tongan interchange bench.

Joe Ofahengaue, who started at prop against Lebanon, goes back to the extended reserves list where he has been included with the experience of Sam Moa and Manu Vatuvei.

Mate Ma’a Tonga are supported in this World Cup campaign by the diversified investment and wealth management company Oreana Group, the Tongan Government (www.Tongaholiday.com), R.D & S Prior Drainage and Plumbing Contractors, Tonga Power Limited, FI-TA, Tucorp, Classic Concrete Pumping, EPS Electrical Project Solutions, The Miller Family and Optimum Nutrition.

TONGA SQUAD TO FACE ENGLAND
Saturday November 25
Mount Smart Stadium – 6pm NZDT (4pm AEDT)

1. Will Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Michael Jennings
4. Konrad Hurrell
5. David Fusitu’a
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Ata Hingano
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Siliva Havili
10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
11. Manu Ma'u
12. Sika Manu ©
13. Jason Taumalolo
Reserves:
14. Sione Katoa
15. Peni Terepo
16. Tevita Pangai junior
17. Ben Murdoch-Masila
18. Sam Moa
19. Manu Vatuvei
20. Joe Ofahengaue
21. Samisoni Langi

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