Saturday, November 10, 2012

TONGA v ITALY

10.11.2012

Venue: Stadio Mario Rigamonti, Brescia

Referee: Greg Garner (England)

Preview
There is not a lot between these two teams as far as IRB ranking points go so it could well be an even contest depending on the strength of each side on the day.

‘This year's November series has been given an added dimension as it will decide the seedings for next month's draw for World Cup 2015 in England. And while that will be an incentive for both teams, Italy will start Saturday's match as firm favourites for victory.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_8237066,00.html

Both teams will have other November games on their minds. Tonga will have the USA, Scotland and English Premier side Newcastle Falcons in their sites for a successful November series.

Italy will have huge challenges coming up when they face New Zealand (17.11) and Australia (24.11)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Italy 10th, Tonga 13th

IRB Ranking Points
Tonga 76.19, Italy 76.03

Prediction: If Tonga can defeat France then they can win against Italy.
Tonga to ambush Azzuri and win by 3 points

TEAMS

6[1]

Italy
15 Andrea Masi, 14 Tommaso Iannone, 13 Tommaso Benvenuti, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Luke McLean, 10 Kristopher Burton, 9 Tobias Botes, 8 Sergio Parisse, Capt. 7 Robert Barbieri, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Joshua Furno,
4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini 1 Andrea Lo Cicero.
Replacements
16 Davide Giazzon, 17 Alberto De Marchie, 18 Martin Castrogiovanni
19 Antonio Pavanello, 20 Simone Favaro, 21 Edoardo Gori, 22 Luciano Orquera, 23 Giovambattista Venditti.
Head Coach: Jacques Brunel

20[1]

Tonga
15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Sione Piukala, 11 Viliami Helu, 10 Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, 9 Taniela Moa, Capt.
8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Sione Vaiomo'unga, 6 Sitiveni Mafi, 5 Tukulua Lokotui,
4 Joe Tu'ineau, 3 Halani 'Aulika, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements
16 Ilaisa Ma'asi, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Hale T-Pole, 19 Paula Kaho, 20 Samisoni Fisilau, 21 Alipate Fatafehi, 22 Viliame Iongi, 23 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Head Coach:Mana 'Otai

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