All Blacks vs Tonga highlights: Rugby World Cup scores, blog

Roar Guru

9th October, 2015

6855 Reads

Time: 6:00am (AEDT)
Venue: St James Park
TV: Fox Sports (LIVE)

New Zealand
15. Ben Smith, 14. Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Waisake Naholo, 10. Daniel Carter, 9. Aaron Smith, 8. Kieran Read (C), 7. Sam Cane, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Sam Whitelock, 4. Luke Romano, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Dane Coles, 1. Tony Woodcock

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.

Tonga
15. Vungakoto Lilo, 14. Telusa Veainu, 13. Siale Piutau, 12. Latiume Fosita, 11. Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10. Kurt Morath, 9. Sonatane Takulua, 8. Viliami Ma'afu, 7. Nili Latu (C), 6. Sione Kalamafoni, 5. Joseph Tuineau, 4. Tukulua Lokotui, 3. Halani Aulika, 2. Elvis Taione, 1. Soane Tonga'uiha

Replacements: Paula Ngauamo, Sona Taumalolo, Sila Puafisi, Sitiveni Mafi, Jack Ram, Samisoni Fisilau, Viliami Tahitua, Will Helu.

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Dan Carter is in trouble. (AFP/Marty Melville)

Adam Julian

Roar Guru

9th October, 2015

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6855 Reads

The All Blacks scratchy form has come under scrutiny at the Rugby World Cup so far. Can they produce performance against Tonga that appeases their vocal critics in their last group game? Join The Roar for the live scores and coverage at 6:00am (AEDT).

The All Blacks are guaranteed a spot in the quarter finals, but the 19 handling errors committed against Georgia and the lack of potency in the scrum remain a concern.

Despite this coach Steve Hansen has resisted wholesale changes. Veterans Tony Woodcock and Owen Franks return in the front row. Nehe Milner-Skudder is back on the wing and Ma’a Nonu will celebrate his 100th Test. He is the sixth All Black to reach this landmark – three are of Samoan heritage.

Captain Richie McCaw and wing Julian Savea have been rested.

Tonga have made just one alteration from the team that failed against the Pumas and know a win is needed if they’re to have any hopes of a quarter-final place. Tonga beat Namibia, but lost to Georgia.

A win is unlikely. The two countries have met each other four times in total, with three of those World Cup games. The Tongans were wiped out at Brisbane in 2003 by 91-7, but caused the All Blacks a few problems in Bristol (1999) and at Eden Park in the first game of the 2011 tournament.

In 1999 Jonah Lomu scored two tries against the Nation of his birth. In 2000 Tonga was beaten by a record score of 102-0. Doug Howlett scored the first of his record 49 test tries for the All Blacks in the game.

Siale Piutau is the brother of Charlie. Telusa Veainu, Viliami Ma’afu, Nili Latu and Soane Tonga’uiha are among those in the Tongan starting XV that have played Super Rugby in New Zealand.

Kieran Read has won all eight Tests as All Black captain and won’t lose tomorrow, but the question mark will be the quality of the performance. Tonga will be physical and disruptive like Georgia.

Prediction: All Blacks by 30

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