3 minute read
Keaon Koloamatangi won't play in Tonga's must-win Pacific Championships Test with New Zealand.
Tonga and New Zealand have kept changes to a minimum as the two nations meet in a winner-takes-all battle for a berth in the Pacific Championships final.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has made just one alteration to the side that fell in an 18-0 loss to Australia a fortnight ago for Saturday's meeting at Mt Smart Stadium.
South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi is unavailable, with his partner due to give birth. His place on the bench has been given to Sydney Roosters back-rower Siua Wong.
New Zealand, similarly, have made just one change to the side beaten 22-10 by the Kangaroos on Sunday.
In-demand Newcastle prop Leo Thompson returns from suspension to take a place on the bench, with Brisbane forward Jordan Riki making way.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has stuck with Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at five-eighth, with Dolphins utility Kodi Nikorima retained on the bench.
The Test will be the first time the two nations have met since 2022.
Victory in Saturday's match will see the winning side advance to the Pacific Cup final against the undefeated Kangaroos at CommBank Stadium on November 10.
The losing side will meet the winner of the Pacific Bowl, which appears increasingly likely to be Papua New Guinea, in the promotion/relegation final.
The Kumuls host the Cook Islands in Port Moresby on Sunday and will qualify for the play-off match with a draw.
PNG captain Rhys Martin is unavailable due to personal reasons.
TONGA: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong 18. Tolutau Koula 19. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
NEW ZEALAND: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson 18. Erin Clark 19. Jordan Riki
