Scotland v Tonga preview: Gregor Townsend’s men to get back on track in bruising battle

Dylan Coetzee
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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend and Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend and Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu

Things are starting to heat up at the Rugby World Cup with the third round of action meaning the race for pool qualification intensifies.

That is certainly the case for Scotland and Tonga who, after only playing one game each, are already on the back foot in the so-called ‘Pool of Death’ headlined by the world’s top two teams Ireland and South Africa.

Scotland opened their campaign with a bruising loss to the defending champions, who on the day did not let Gregor Townsend’s side play much rugby at all. Similar can be said for Tonga, who were on the receiving end of more than 50 points against a well-oiled Ireland side.

That being said both teams will be looking to get their first win of the tournament and put pressure on the top two sides. Townsend’s Scots have had a weekend’s break since the Springboks clash and come into the game fresh and fully-loaded for what is a different Tonga side to previous editions of the global showpiece.

World Rugby’s eligibility law changes have allowed talent to return to their home countries which is very suited to the Tongan cause. Suddenly the side has a World Cup winner in Malakai Fekitoa as well as other experienced internationals. One cannot underestimate the power of that.

When the islanders looked at this pool perhaps they considered this game their best possible chance for an upset, making for a lovely spectacle.

Where the game will be won

We may sound like a stuck record but it starts up front and in collision. Tonga are a massively physical side, particularly in the contact point where they may be able to get ascendency at times against the Scots. However, Townsend’s side are generally strong at scrum time which will be crucial. Their focus will be giving Finn Russell quick ball to play with – if that happens Tonga are in trouble.

Another massive focal point is discipline beginning with keeping all 15 players on the field – a card can change the dynamics of the game like the flick of the switch. The other manner in which discipline really counts is giving away consecutive penalties. In the past Tonga may have been guilty of not being sharp in this regard and if Scotland get free exits, which result in another penalty providing an attacking position, they will take it.

Last time they met

What they said

Scotland front-row Rory Sutherland is looking forward to his opportunity to start ahead of Pierre Schoeman.

“It is a massive opportunity for me this week,” he said.

“It is high stakes for me at the minute, but it’s about coping with that pressure day to day, and making sure I channel it into the right things, which means putting out a good performance this weekend.”

Asked if his uncertainty at club level was stressful, Sutherland said: “Absolutely. There is always a bit of pressure around that but like everything else – other adversities I’ve overcome during my career – you have to learn to park it, put it to the back of your mind, take things day by day, week by week, and focus on what is important in the here and now.

“For me, that’s playing against Tonga this weekend.”

Tonga assistant coach Dale MacLeod was asked if they needed a match against one of the Rugby Championship or Six Nations sides as a warm-up game.

“One hundred per cent,” MacLeod said. “I think we are the only team who didn’t play a tier one nation or come early and play a game.

“We tried to organise one, but then they couldn’t do it. I suppose we got two games against Canada – you have to do what you have to do.

“It didn’t set us up for where we needed to be, but when you go into a World Cup and you’ve had a month off, that is tough for anyone.

He added: “We’ll be better next week, and the week after, we’ll probably be hitting [our stride] by our last game, which is not quite right.”

Players to watch

Duhan van der Merwe was not given much of a shout against the Springboks and the gargantuan wing will no doubt be raring to get on the scoresheet at his first World Cup. There is no denying his very obvious running ability which is lethal against any defence. He will be a try threat on Sunday.

It is a rare chance for Chris Harris to get a run out after being stuck behind the charismatic centre pairing of Huwipulotu (Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones), who have been in stunning form. However, the centre has some serious quality and in many ways is unlucky to have been out of the starting conversation. He will be wanting to give Townsend something to think about.

One player who will be important in laying a platform will be tighthead Zander Fagerson, who has developed fantastically into a powerful scrummager and a player who is central to a lot of the good coming out of the Scottish pack. He will be looking to gather some momentum in his game and give the team the chance to run free.

The Tongan centre pairing of Pita Ahki and Malakai Fekitoa offer so much going forward and are no slouches on defence either. Ahki has been sensational in the colours of Toulouse whilst Fekitoa is a World Cup winner, meaning a clash of this magnitude will not bother them. They will need to be on point against the Scots.

Charles Piutau, another former All Black, will be a big player in this clash. The full-back has a genuine ability to create something from nothing on attack. It brings the Scottish kicking game into focus as Russell and co. will not be wanting loose kicks going Piutau’s way. Should Tonga challenge for a result the superstar could well be at the centre of it.

Main head-to-head

This week’s main tussle features two superstars specialising in hard work, it is the battle of the number eights.

Former Wallaby turned Scotsman Jack Dempsey has soared to different heights in the blue jersey having really come into his own on both sides of the ball. He will be near the top of the tackle count and will have a bunch of carries to match. He is a key component in the Scotland back-row, adding dynamism to the balance. The loose forward will need to be at his best to match his opposite number.

Vaea Fifita, the former All Black, is a complete player and a physical freak; both fast and powerful. He is one of those loose forwards who could change a game with ball in hand. He will be passionate and proud to be representing Tonga and expect him to empty the tank as a result.

Expect a blockbuster battle between the two stars.

Prediction

It is going to be a very interesting game, one loaded with physicality and a match that possibly could open up a bit later on. Scotland does have greater quality one would argue and that will show but they will not have everything their own way. Scotland by 14.

Previous matches

2021: Scotland won 60-14 at Murrayfield
2014: Scotland won 37-12 at Kilmarnock
2012: Tonga won 21-15 at Aberdeen
2001: Scotland won 43-20 at Murrayfield
1995: Scotland won 41-5 in Pretoria

Teams

Scotland: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Jamie Ritchie (c), 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Rory Sutherland
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 WP Nel, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Matt Fagerson, 21 George Horne, 22 Huw Jones, 23 Darcy Graham

Tonga: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 10 William Havili, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Vaea Fifita, 7 Sione Talitui, 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Halaleva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna (c), 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi
Replacements: 16 Sam Moli, 17 Tau Koloamatangi, 18 Sosefo Apikotoa, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Semisi Paea, 21 Sione Vailanu, 22 Sonatane Takulua, 23 Patrick Pellegrini
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Date: Sunday, September 24
Venue: Stade de Nice, Nice
Kick-off: 17:45 local (16:45 BST, 15:45 GMT)
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Craig Evans (Wales)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

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Features Jack Dempsey Vaea Fifita