By Sian Haynes 
Dan Faleafa starts for Tonga in Cardiff (pic: Nick Meredith)
Coventry forward Dan Faleafa has been named in Tonga’s starting line-up to face Wales at the Principality Stdium tomorrow.
The 29-year-old, who moved to England in September after a lengthy spell in the French Pro D2, is named on the blindside flank.
Tonga’s one change from the side which beat the French Barbarians 49-38 in a non-cap match in Bordeaux last weekend, sees Castres lock Sitiveni Mafi replaces uncapped Sam Ulufonua.
However, the Tongans, who are led by Bristol centre Siale Piutau, are without Cov winger David Halaifonua, who was ruled out by a knee injury.
Head coach Toutai Kefu told BBC Sport Wales that he is satisfied with the progress the islanders are making towards next year’s World Cup, where they are grouped with England, France, Argentina and United States in pool C.
“We were happy with the result in Bordeaux, although there are a few areas to improve onwe’re heading in the right direction,” he said.
“It’s not the strongest Welsh team (against us), but they’re still the Welsh team; whoever wears the jersey, they’re still Wales to me.
“They’ve a strong set-piece, they’ve a good kicking game, and they play territory really well. They don’t give you much, so we’re going to play territory ourselves. We need a strong set-piece, and we need to limit our turnovers.”
Wales have won all eight meetings between the two countries, most recently by 24-6 in Auckland in 2017.
Tonga face Georgia in their final autumn series action next week.
Tonga: Vunga Lilo; Viliami Lolohea, Alaska Taufa, Siale Piutau (capt), Daniel Kilioni; Kurt Morath, Sonatane Takulua: Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Paula Ngauamo, Ma’afu Fia, Leva Fifita, Sitiveni Mafi, Dan Faleafa, Fotu Lokotui, Sione Vailanu.
Replacements: Sefo Sakalia, Latu Talakai, Paea Fa’anunu, Onehunga Havili, Mike Faleafa, Leon Fukofuka, Kali Hala, Atieli Pakalani.
Wales: Jonah Holmes; Liam Williams, Tyler Morgan, Owen Watkin, Steff Evans; Dan Biggar, Tomos Williams; Wyn Jones, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown; Jake Ball, Adam Beard; Aaron Wainwright, Ellis Jenkins (C), Seb Davies.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rob Evans, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Ross Moriarty, Aled Davies, Rhys Patchell, Josh Adams
