The 'Ikale Tahi against Manu Samoa during their Pacific Nations Cup 2025 campaign and 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier match in Nuku'alofa on Saturday, 23 August 2025. Photo: World Rugby
'Ikale Tahi head coach Tevita Tu'ifua has expressed his enthusiasm at his team's qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
With the outcome of the Flying Fijians' clash against Manu Samoa going Fiji's way in Rotorua last weekend, the Tongans securd their ticket to Australia after guaranteeing second-place finish in Pool A of the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) competition.
A first round 30-16 win over Manu Samoa in Nuku'alofa on 23 August was enough to push the side into the world cup in two years, despite their 32-10 loss to Fiji on 6 September.
Tu'ifua and the Tongans are preparing for the PNC semi-final rounds in Denver, Colorado on Monday (NZ time).
They will meet Japan, the top team from Pool B, who have been unbeaten so far and have scored big wins over both Canada and the United States.
While acknolwedging that their goal of World Cup qualification has been achieved, the former 'Ikale Tahi captain said the team is wary of the challenge Japan will pose.
He said that the high injury toll within camp, which has ruled out some players for this weekend's clash, means some new faces are expected to be in the line-up against the Japanese side.
The 'Ikale Tahi against Manu Samoa during their Pacific Nations Cup 2025 campaign and 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier match in Nuku'alofa on Saturday, 23 August 2025. Photo: World Rugby
In addition to the injury woes, some players have returned to their clubs for the start of the European season.
"It has been a tough week for us last week and coming into this new week," Tuifu'a told RNZ Pacific from the team's camp in Denver.
"We are excited about making it into the World Cup. However, we are challenged to give it our best shot against Japan this weekend. About eight new boys are in the squad now."
Inspirational captain Ben Tameifuna, who missed the game against Fiji, will know on Thursday if he can play.
He was injured and, although initially named to take the field against the Flying Fijians, had to withdraw before the match.
Tough lock-forward Halaleva Fifita was also injured and has returned to French Top 14 club Oyonnax Rugby.
Assistant coach Daniel Halangahu (yellow vest in the middle) shares a move with 'Ikale Tahi players in Denver ahead of their PNC semi-final clash against Japan on Monday morning. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Moana Pasifika toughman Lotu Inisi is out injured after the Manu Samoa test.
Tu'ifua still has some experinced hands in Salesi Piutau, Siegfried Fisi'hoi, Samiuela Moli, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Augustine Pulu, Sonatane Takulua and Fetuli Paea.
"We will give it our best shot against Japan, they are clear favourites and have been consistent," Tu'ifua said.
"It will be a good opportunity for us to give game time to some of our players. That will help in ensuring we have player depth when needed.
"But definitely the test experience gap is still too wide."
Veteran halfback Sonatane Takulua fires out a pass at training in Denver on Monday as the 'Ikale Tahi prepared for their clash against Japan this weekend. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
The Tongans have spent two weeks in Denver, arriving there early last week as they were on a bye.
Members of the Tongan community in the city and the surrounding areas have been supporting the team throughout and are expected to be on the sideline cheering for the side.
Members of the Tongan community in Denver with the 'Ikale Tahi team and officials. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
They are also not the only ones facing challenges this week.
Manu Samoa, who meet USA in the all-important must-win World Cup qualifier clash early Monday morning, will miss Taleni Sua.
Sua will miss the match following his red card issued during the Samoa v Fiji match at the Rotorua International Stadium last Saturday,
World Rugby says the Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) noted that Sua was yellow carded twice in the match for foul play offences, which amounted to a red card.
The winner of Monday's clash will secure a World Cup berth, while the loser will have to go through another repecharge play-off to qualify.
The Flying Fijians, who will take on Canada in the second semi-final, are nursing injuries also, with utility Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula still recovering.
Ravula walked off the field last weekend helped by team officials, with a slight limp.
Head coach Mick Byrne said after the game that they were going to monitor players as they travel across to Denver.
Games schedule:
Samoa v USA (PNC 5th place play-off and RWC 2027 qualifier)
Kick-off: 6:35am, Monday 15 September
Tonga vs Japan (PNC semifinal 1)
Kick-off: 9.35am
Fiji v Canada (PNC semifinal 2)
Kick-off: 12.35pm
Venue: All games played at DICK' Sporting Goods Park, Denver, Colorado
