Tongia scored four tries in five appearances for the Highlanders during the past two Super seasons. The fact he couldn't secure a regular starting XV berth for the Magpies in recent weeks is an indication of the improvement Matt Garland has made at fullback and the consistency wingers Mason Emerson and Jonah Lowe have been producing.
A former Papua New Guinea rugby league representative, Tongia, first played for the Magpies in 2014. In 12 first-class appearances that season he scored 10 tries.
Last year he scored seven tries in 11 first-0class games and this year two in eight. Shannan Chase will replace Tongia on the subs bench for tomorrow night's ninth round Premiership match at FMG Stadium.
Hurricanes frontrower Ricky Riccitelli will replace Fahamokioa at loosehead prop and Jason Long will take Riccitelli's berth on the pine. The only other change to the squad of 23 used in the win against Manawatu sees Josh Eden-Whaitiri replace former All Black lock Ross Filipo on the bench as he has withdrawn with an illness.
Centurion Chris Eaton will again start at halfback ahead of one-test All Black Brad Weber who is likely to get time off the pine against his former province. Eaton impressed with his defensive work against the Turbos and his distribution and option taking was admirable in the difficult conditions.
If the Magpies are to remain on track in their quest to avoid relegation it's important they start well and don't concede as many penalties in the first quarter as they did against the Turbos. They must also repeat last week's quality defensive effort which saw just nine tackles missed, a major improvement on the 29 missed the previous week.
Philpott is expecting a tough encounter in the wake of Waikato's loss to Northland last weekend.
"They will be really disappointed with last weekend and eager to redeem themselves just like Manawatu did," Philpott said referring to Manawatu's 50-28 win against Wellington on Wednesday night.
Waikato head coach Sean Botherway has made four changes to his starting XV. Prop Atu Moli returns from an ankle injury to take over from Sefo Kautai who moves to the reserve bench. Brian Alainu'uese returns to the starting line-up after recovering from concussion to partner Jacob Skeen in the locking department.
Loose forward Adam Burn starts at openside flanker with Mitch Jacobson taking his place in the reserves. The final change will see Pele Cowley start at halfback as a replacement for Harrison Levien.
Waikato's most experienced halfback Isaac Boss has been named on the subs bench after recovering from a hamstring injury which has sidelined him for several weeks.
Both teams:
Hawke's Bay Magpies: Matt Garland, Jonah Lowe, Robbie Fruean, Tiaan Falcon, Mason Emerson, Ihaia West, Chris Eaton, Fa'alemiga Selesele, Tony Lamborn, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Mark Abbott, Geoff Cridge, Ben May, Ash Dixon (c), Ricky Riccitelli. Substitutes, forwards: Jorian Tangaere, Jason Long, Mason Kean, Josh Eden-Whaitiri, Ben Hamelink. Backs: Brad Weber, Billy Ropiha, Shannan Chase.
Waikato: Jordan Trainor, Iliesa Ratuva Travuyara, Willis Halaholo, Tevita Taufui, Sevu Reece, Sam Christie, Pele Cowley, Whetu Douglas (c), Adam Burn, Jordan Manihera, Brian Alain'uese, Jacob Skeen, Atu Moli, Hame Faiva, Tau Koloamatangi. Substitutes, forwards: Steven Misa, Sefo Kautai, Latu Talakai, Leva Fifita, Mitch Jacobson. Backs: Isaac Boss, Jason Robertson, Milford Keresoma.
