Rugby World Cup start for Taione

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs hooker Elvis Taione has been named in the Tongan starting XV for their opening World Cup fixture against Georgia at Kingsholm on Saturday (12pm).

Taint, who joined the Devon club last season from Championship side Jersey, has established himself as the first-choice No.2 for his country in recent times - and helped the Ikale Tahi to finish third in the recent Pacific Nations Cup.

Also included in the Tongan side is former Chiefs winger Fetu’u Vainikolo, whilst veteran flanker Nili Latu will skipper the side for the Pool C clash.

Tonga are due to tackle Namibia later in the competition at Exeter’s Sandy Park on Tuesday, September 29 (4:45pm).

Tonga: 15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Telusa Veainu, 13 Will Helu, 12 Siale Piutau, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Tane Takulua, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Nili Latu (c), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Steve Mafi, 4 Lua Lokotui, 3 Halani Aulika, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Tevita Mailau

Replacements: 16 Paul Ngauamo, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Sila Puafisi, 19 Hale T Pole, 20 Jack Ram, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 Sione Piukala