Tonga captain Nili Latu is unconfirmed for tomorrows’ clash against the Junior All Blacks.
Latu suffered a bad knock to his knee in Tonga’s last game against Japan over the weekend but coach Kudus Felea is confident his skipper would be good for the 3:10pm showdown at the TFL Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
“Our medics said he’s chances to play is 60 per cent so that’s good enough for me,” Felea said.
Latu did not join the side in the captains run this morning at the National Hockey Centre but seemed to be running fine when he was assisting the team during the water breaks.
“I am hoping for the best, he is really someone I don’t want to lose especially in a game against the Junior All Blacks,” Felea added.
If Latu does not recover in time, Felea will not have to look far to replace him as Ilaisa Ma'asi is ready to take over the role.
Tonga has had a series of injuries affecting the team but Felea is confident they can beat all odds and create the biggest upset of the tournament.
“We have nothing to lose so we’re going all out. The Junior All Blacks on the other hand want to maintain their winning streak and I respect them for that; however Tonga is going to be strong.”
Felea has bought in a lot of new players to start against the JABs – what he sees as a chance for them to experience top notch rugby with a worthy opponent.
“A lot of these young boys have wanted a chance and I believe the biggest highlight to their tournament would be up against a team like the Junior All Blacks.”
The game will kick off at 3:10pm tomorrow at the TFL Stadium.
“Tongan support has not been that good but we’re hoping that now the game has been moved to Suva, the Tongan community here will come down in numbers to support the boys,” Felea said.
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