Tongan rugby captain in doubt for opener

Tongan rugby team captain Finau Maka is in doubt for tomorrow's opening World Cup clash with the All Blacks.

Maka strained an Achilles heel five days ago and hasn't been able to train since.

A decision on whether he will start against the All Blacks will be made after today's captains run.

Coach Isitolo Maka has opted for a 5 2 forward back split on the bench as they prepare to tackle the All Blacks up front.

He said they're preparing for a bruising forward encounter.

The Tongan pack also includes Blues backrower Viliami Ma’afu, props Taufa’ao Filise from the Cardiff Blues and Soane Tonga’uiha of the Northampton Saints and hooker Aleki Lutui, who plays for Worcester.

The Tonga and All Blacks match kicks off at 8.30pm tomorrow and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM with the new voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and 2007 World Cup coach, Ilivasi Tabua.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo
Source: Radio NZ