Tonga coach Isitolo Maka has opted to make a number of changes for his side's clash with Japan in Whangarei on Wednesday.
Lutui takes over as captain
Tonga coach Isitolo Maka has opted to make a number of changes for his side's clash with Japan in Whangarei on Wednesday.
Having seen his side lose to New Zealand and Canada in their first two games of the tournament, Maka has rejigged his line-up.
Worcester hooker Aleki Lutui takes over as captain and joins Taufa'ao Filise and Soane Tonga'uiha in the front row.
Paino Hehea, Sione Kalamafoni and Viliami Ma'afu also come into the pack, while Vungakoto Lilo and Sukanaivalu Hufanga are handed starts in the backs.
Kurt Morath switched to fly-half from full-back last time out with Taniela Moa moving from No.10 back to scrum-half.
Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Alipate Fatafehi, 11 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Sione Vaiomo'unga, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Paino Hehea, 4 Tukulua Lokotui, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 2 Aleki Lutui (captain), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Aloisio Ma'asi, 17 Alisona Taumalolo, 18 Halani Aulika, 19 Joseph Tu'ineau, 20 Samiu Vahafolau, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Viliame Iongi.
