Pool C: Tonga `Ikale Tahi`

Pool C: Tonga ‘Ikale Tahi’
Key National Statistics
Capital:
Population:
Area:
GDP (ppp):
GDP per capita:
Inflation:
Public Debt (% of GDP):
Nuku’alofa
106,440*
747 km2
$523 million*
$5,000*
1.7%*
45.1%*
*CIA Factbook 2014 estimate
For purposes of comparison, all GDP statistics
are expressed in United States Dollars
Share Market Index and Currency
Fetu’u Vainikolo in action against
Romania at Arc de Triomphe
National Stadium, Romania on
November 9th, 2013.
0.60
Credit: © Julicos | Dreamstime.com
Aug 15
Apr 15
Nov 14
Jul 14
Feb 14
Sep 13
May 13
Dec 12
Aug 12
Mar 12
A third place in the Pacific Nations Cup, held
over July and August suggests the ‘Ikale
Tahi have executed their pre-Tournament
preparation well. A narrow 22-30 round-robin
loss to ultimate winners Fiji, points to a team
brimming with confidence, the essential 16th
player in all footie teams.
Oct 11
Recent Form
0.45
Jun 11
Source: Bloomberg
Imports, Exports and Trade Balance
50.0
(US$m)
0.0
-50.0
-100.0
-150.0
Tonga has qualified for every World Cup except
1991, and they finished third in their pool
in 2011. The Tongan’s know the absolute
lows of the game too well including a 110-10
demolition by England in their 1999 campaign.
But then again, the 19-14 win over France in
the 2011 World Cup hosted in New Zealand,
means they know the sweet taste of victory.
Imports
Exports
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
-250.0
2004
-200.0
World Cup History
2003
Tonga is struggling to find its footing in the
rugby landscape. Think sevens, and Fiji
automatically springs to mind. Talk of Samoa,
and both sevens and the 15-man code
resonate. Speak of Tonga in footie parlance,
and there may be reference to that one-off
event in 2011 when the ‘Ikale Tahi choked out
the French 19-14 in pool play.
Jan 11
Call us old fashioned, but the most important
player in any emerging markets’ team is the
coach. Mana Otai, former Tongan flanker will
be leading the ‘Ikale Tahi in his first World Cup
campaign. The team’s captain is the veteran
hard-man Nili Latu, about to play in his third
World Cup. Explosive winger Fetu’u Vainikolo
is sure to get points on the board, so we see
no chance of a team “down trou” for these
rugby minnows.
Sep 10
Rugby Analysis
We favour Fetu’u Vainikoloto be the team’s
poster-boy. At 30 years old and a svelte
95kgs, he will have the gas to excel in his
preferred wing position. Like all thoroughbreds
his pedigree is immaculate: New Zealand’s
provincial rugby competition, cumulating with
a few seasons in Super Rugby before signing
with his current team, French Oyonnax.
0.55
0.50
Key Players to Watch
Player Focus: Fetu’u Vainikolo
TOP-USD X-RATE
0.65
Trade Balance
Source: UN Comtrade
Team Squad
Forwards: Tevita Mailau, Alisona
Taumalolo, Soane Tonga’uiha , Halani
Aulika, Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione, Paula
Ngauamo, Aleki Lutui , Tukulua Lokotui,
Joeseph Tiuneau, Steve Mafi, Opeti
Fonua, Hala T-Pole, Nili Latu (Capt), Jack
Ram, Viliami Ma’afu, Sione Kalamafoni,
Uili Kolo’ofa’i
Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Samisoni
Fisilau, Sosefo Ma’ake, Kurt Morath,
Latiume Fosita, Sione Piukala, Siale
Piutau, Viliami Tahitu’a, Fetu’u Vainikolo,
Telusa Veainu, Tevita Halaifonua, William
Helu, Vungakoto Lilo
Team Coach: Mana Otai
Rugby and Markets
Emerging markets are unlikely to be a key
component in a conservative investment
portfolio. The same can be said for an
emerging rugby team as a conservative punter
is unlikely to back them.
Forsyth Barr Prediction
Form Guide
Knocked out in pool play – 3rd in pool
Result
Team
Score
Date
On paper there is a glimmer of hope for the Tongans to progress out of pool
play. Realistically however, the Argentines are likely to qualify second behind
the mighty All Blacks. Therefore the more likely risk is that the Tongans lose
focus and get ground out by the Georgians to finish fourth in the round robin,
which would be a step backwards for Pacific nation rugby. But we must say,
these guys know how to set the early rounds of the Tournament on fire:
Tonga 19 – France 14 in 2011.
WON
WON
WON
LOST
LOST
WON
Japan
31-20
3-Aug-15
United States
33-19
29-Jul-15
Canada
28-18
24-Jul-15
Fiji
22-30
18-Jul-15
Scotland
12-37
22-Nov-14
United States
40-12
15-Nov-14
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