Rugby: Tongans out to ginger up game

By WYNNE GRAY

At the World Cup, Tonga's physical fury made the All Blacks jittery and tomorrow in their first test on New Zealand soil they intend putting a bit more ginger into their play.

Tongan coach Dave Waterstone has phoned former All Black loose forward Paul "Ginge" Henderson for some advice after the pair became friends during Henderson's spell with the Gauteng Falcons in South Africa.

"We have been corresponding just for me to run some ideas past him," Waterstone said as he prepared his side for the North Harbour test.

"I like to call on experts if I can, it was something I learned when I worked with Kitch Christie when he coached the Springboks."

Waterstone has called on 11 of the side which gave the All Blacks a heavy World Cup workout at Bristol last year in a match which produced some testy conversation both before and after the 45-9 result.

Born in Dunedin and now an insurance broker in Johannesburg, Waterstone is rather adept at winding people up.

However, yesterday he surely created international rugby history when he selected Sam Alatini as second five-eighths to oppose younger brother Pita in the All Blacks midfield. The boys' father, Malaki, played test rugby for Tonga from 1969 to 1978 and made two tours with the national side.

"We have been using some of our development squad for the Pacific Rim tournament but we have gone back to the World Cup squad for this test," said Waterstone. "I don't think we are as fit as we were at the World Cup but we have the experience."

As a coach with a lot of South African experience, Waterstone has been trying to mix some of those systems with the natural Tongan flair, power and exuberance. It is not a scheme which finds immense favour with Kumeu coach Phil Ridland who has several of his club players, including Alatini, in the squad.

"I reckon if they played their natural game they would be better."

Tonga have been bolstered by the arrival of hooker and captain Fe'ao Vunipola.

Tonga: Taunaholo Taufahema, Tevita Tiueti, Siua Taumaholo, Sam Alatini, Semi Taupeaafe, Elisi Vunipola, Doug Havea, Va'a Toloke, Sonatane Koloi, Henry Saafi, Benhur Kivalu, 'Isilei Fatani, Tevita Taumoepeau, Fe'ao Vunipola, Ngalu Tau. Reserves: Sione Mone, Loni Manako, Epafasi Ta'ufo'ou, Fekleti Fakaongo, Maama Molitika, Ta'u Fa'inga'anuku, Latiume Maka.