Wales v Tonga Squads and Predictions

This is the seventh time these two teams have met and, despite Wales winning every previous encounter, their recent record against Pacific Island teams has not been good. Both teams will be fired up; Wales will be looking to build on their impressive display against Argentina from last week, whilst the Tongans will want to avenge the perceived insult of Shaun Edwards’ words regarding their indiscipline, and end their three match losing streak.

Although the gap in rankings suggests that this could be a one-sided affair, the last encounter (in 2003) was close, with Wales edging it by seven points. Some may have worried that the absence of several high profile Welshmen would hinder their performance, but the display given by several young players against Argentina suggests otherwise.

Warren Gatland has rung the changes, with only four players from the victory over Argentina starting. One to watch will be teenager Hallam Amos, who makes his debut on the wing. The half-back pairing of James Hook and Lloyd Williams is another area of interest, with the selection policy indicating that Gatland is using these tests to assess many players at his disposal, with an eye to building the best squad for the 2015 World Cup.

This is a game that Wales should win, and by some margin if they can capitalise on their chances. The final quarter will be especially important, with Wales’ superior fitness likely allowing them to finish the game with fireworks.

Prediction: Wales by 14 points.

Squads:

Wales: 

15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Owen Williams, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 James Hook, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Ryan Jones (c), 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Andrew Coombs, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Rhodri Jones, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Paul James

Replacements: 16 Emyr Phillips, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Dan Lydiate, 20 Sam Warburton, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Jordan Williams

Tonga: 

15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Sione Piukala, 11 Viliami Helu 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Nili Latu Langilangi (c), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Joe Tu'ineau, 4 Lua Lokotui, 3 Sila Puafisi, 2 Vaea Taione, 1 Eddie Aholelei

Replacements: 16 Suliasi Taufalele, 17 Taione Vea, 18 Tevita Mailau, 19 Hale T Pole, 20 Opeti Fonua, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, 23 David Halaifonua.