Tonga and Argentina Both Desperate for Win

The 2019 Rugby World Cup brings more excitement as Tonga will clash with Argentina at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Saturday. The Ikale Tahi will aim to bounce back after a 35-3 defeat in their previous game against England. And on the other side, Argentina suffered a 23-21 defeat in the game against France.

The Sea Eagles suffered a disappointing defeat in the opening game against England. However, the Tonga rugby team showed their talent and potential in this loss. On a positive note, Tonga managed to keep England to four tries in the 35-3 defeat. Also, their possession stats were impressive as they dominated with 53% control of the ball.

Toutai Kefu will start with 11 of the same players that were in the starting XV against England in their World Cup opener. However, the Ikale Tahe will be without Kurt Morath as Tonga’s all-time leading points scorer is out due to injury. The 34 year old veteran fly-half suffered a neck injury in the game against England. Morath will be replaced by James Faiva who's not on a professional rugby contract at present and played his first test for Tonga a few months ago.

Scrum half Sonatane Takulua is a constant fixture for the Sea Eagles and will head into this game having registered points in each of the 21 test appearances he has made since the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Coach Kefu has pretty much reshuffled his entire backline around to accommodate the loss of two key players Morath and Tuitavake due to injury. Siale Piutau moves from outside to inside centre. French based Malietoa Hingano, who only debuted for Tonga this year, slots in at outside centre. David Halaifonua moves from full-back to left-wing. Former Sunwolves winger Viliami Lolohea changes wing position from to right to allow big Leicester Tigers back Telusa Veainu to slot into the full-back position.

Tonga will field a strong forward pack for this match which will again be called upon in facing the size and experience of the Los Pumas. Lock Sam Lousi had an outstanding match against England and a constant menace to the opposition at the breakdown area. He's a good ball carrier with a lot of hunger having only played his first test for Tonga a few months ago. 

Tonga will also rely on hard working flanker Zane Kapeli who put that memorable hit on Vunipola during the game against England. Moreover, the 26 year old New Zealand born athlete can cover each position in the back-row, a tactical advantage for any coach at test level for set piece variations.

The Argentinian Rugby Team is heading into this game after an unlucky defeat in the game against France. But even though, the Les Blues managed to get the 23-21 win in Tokyo, the Pumas showed a great character and resilience.

Argentina will head into this game with four changes to the starting XV that lost against France on Saturday, 21 September. Moreover, coach Ledesma has decided to drop Nicolas Sanchez, Javier Ortega Desio and Agustin Creevy to the bench, and promoting Julian Montoya, Tomas Lezana, Benjamin Urdapilleta and Santiago Carreras into the starting XV.

However, the Pumas will miss Juan Manuel Leguizamon and Ramiro Mayano who have been rested for this match.

Argentina will need to perform for the full 80 minutes like they did during their come back attempt against France to get the points. The only other time these two teams met was at the 2015 World Rugby where the Los Pumas defeated the Ikale Tahi 45-16. Nevertheless, Tonga is a much-improved side this time around with many players having played together for some time now which will come into play against a committed Los Pumas side.

Argentina will need to shake off their disappointing loss to France in which they pushed the French all the way thanks to a big second-half effort. Their poor first-half showing ultimately cost them and that result means they will almost certainly have to beat both Tonga and England to stand a chance of qualifying. They will relish the physical nature of this contest against Tonga and whilst it could be a scrappy game early on, the Pumas are odds on to take this match.

With both sides desperate for a win this weekend, despite the data, player/coach experience, and player combinations it could go either way which is what's great about the Rugby World Cup. Bring on another David versus Goliath match!