Tonga names 13 debutants, most coming out from club rugby

While the All Blacks have the luxury of calling on a 36-man squad of Super Rugby players to take the field, the Tongans have named 13 debutants.

Two years ago, the All Blacks beat a full strength Tongan side by 85 points.

Tonga’s bulk of players are coming out of club rugby.

When questioned whether this fixture could actually have safety concerns for the Tongan players, given the massive disparity in experience and ability, All Blacks coach, Ian Foster seemed baffled by the suggestion, saying that a test match is a test match and those players, no matter what level they have come from, would bring that intensity.

The All Blacks will face Tonga at 7.05pm tomorrow. The Maori All Blacks will face Samoa at 4.30pm tomorrow.

[Source: Radio NZ]