The respect that Scotland have in world rugby is on a deserved rise after their first two Autumn Internationals. An unexpected win over a strong Argentina side and a good outing over New Zealand have finally got people talking about Scotland in a positive light. Vern Cotter has to take a lot of the plaudits but if he suffers a loss to Tonga – like Andy Robinson did before he resigned – all his hard work could go to waste.
Tonga meanwhile thumped USA Eagles 40-12 last week and convincingly beat Georgia the week before. Add the fact that Jake White is in the Tongan coaching mix and the game at Kilmarnock Football Club will be the first time a Tier 1 nation has played an international match on an artificial pitch, and anything could happen.
Scotland
Vern Cotter is obviously keen to avoid a Tongan banana skin as all four changes to his team are injury enforced; Euan Murray and Adam Ashe have respective thigh and neck injuries while Flying Dutchman Tim Visser comes onto the wing for Sean Maitland who has a hamstring injury.
Mark Bennett also has a hamstring injury and will be out for 12 weeks so Sean Lamont, who impressed early from the bench against New Zealand, comes into the starting line-up. Ryan Grant, Alasdair Strokosch and Duncan Taylor all come into the vacated substitute berths, while Kieran Low replaces Dave Denton on the bench.
The reborn Ross Ford stays at hooker, both the Grays remain in the engine room and Blair Cowan and Rob Harley are the flankers. Greig Laidlaw is still the sole non-Warrior in the backline, with Finn Russell, Alex Dunbar, Tommy Seymour and Stuart Hogg complete the XV.
Tonga
The Pacific Islanders have a team largely intact from their previous match against America, with only one change in the starting XV; Latiume Fosita in at fly-half for Kurt Morath. Sonatane Takulua remains at nine, with Hemani Paea and Siale Piutau in the centres and Fetu’u Vainikolo, David Halaifonua and Vungakoto Lilo completing the backline.
One of the try scorers from the last time the two teams met, Tukulua Lokotui, is in the engine room partnered by Joe Tu’ineau, while Sione Kalamafoni, captain Nili Latu, and Viliami Ma’afu are in the backrow. Tevita Mailau and Paea Fa’anunu are the props with Aleki Lutui as hooker. Tomasi Palu and Sione Piukala step onto the bench for Taniela Moa and Otulea Katoa respectively.
All eyes on
Ross Ford seems to be undergoing something of a renaissance under Vern Cotter. His form in the loose, both in an attacking and defensive sense, are reminding people why he was once a British and Irish Lion, and his throwing in is in stark contrast to the player that we saw during this year’s Six Nations. His hooking, though, is a different matter. During the Argentina match we thought that this problem was over and done with but come New Zealand, it became obvious that he still has an inability to lift his leg in the scrum.
The other try scorer from Tonga’s historic victory over Scotland was Fetu’u Vainikolo, who also scored last week against America. The explosive winger has seven tries in nine matches and has featured for the likes of Connacht and Highlanders, and currently Exeter Chiefs. He lines up against Tommy Seymour whose defence has improved recently, but will have his hands full with the talented winger.
Prediction
It’s ridiculously hard to look past Scotland, especially considering the form that they have been in. The Tongan forwards are bound to prove a stern test but nothing that the Grays and the backrow can’t handle, and the backs should have plenty of firepower out wide to leave some Pacific Islanders trailing in their wake. As long as they don’t get into an arm wrestle and play into opposition hands, they should be fine. Scotland by 18.
By Calum Gillon (@C_Gillon)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images