Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Samoa and Tonga prepare for a tough encounter at the Rugby League World Cup

Posted at 23:00 on 29 October, 2008 UTC

Tonga and Samoa will face up in the Rugby League World Cup match on Friday with plenty of fireworks expected.

Tonga already have a win in hand beating Ireland 22-20 earlier this week.

However, they know it won’t be easy against debutantes Samoa. Tonga winger Cooper Vuna says while he is also expecting a tough match the start will be seeped in tradition

“PLAY AUDIO:Tonga winger”

“It’s going to be big from the start from the national anthem to the end so, with the haka’s I wish I had a camera and film us both to see what it’s like”

Meanwhile, Samoa has named a strong lineup against Tonga....Smith Samau is at full back with Matt Utai and Francis Meli on the right and left wings respectively. Nigel Vagana playing at five eight will captain the side..The centres are George Carmont and Willie Talau, Ben Robers is at halfback, and Tony Puletua prop with Terrence Seuseu hooker, Kylie Leulua is prop with David Solomona and Lagi Setu in the second row while Harrison Hansen is the loose foward. Ali Lautiti, Frank Puletua, Joseph Paulo and albert Talipeau are on the bench. Of the 17 starting lineup ten play in the NRL with seven from European clubs