Star-studded line-ups confirmed for Tongan Recovery Appeal Charity Match
Wed, 16/02/2022, 10:30 am
Nathan Williamson
The Vintage Reds XV and Tongan Invitational XV have named all-star squads for Saturday night’s fundraising match for the UNICEF Australia Tongan Recovery Appeal.
Reds coach Brad Thorn is set to feature from the bench, getting comfortable with the playing conditions before the Reds take on the Rebels to kick-off Super Rugby Pacific.
Catch every game of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
The Reds forward pack features four former Wallaby captains, with Stephen Moore, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill and Ben Mowen joined by captain and backrower David Croft.
Chris Latham, Rod Davies and Berrick Barnes headline a backline filled with experience, including Drew Mitchell, Lachie Turner and Mike Harris.
Meanwhile, the Tongan side will bring an experienced pack into the match, with Radike Samo, Trevor Leota and George Smith bringing over 160 caps of international experience.
All Black star Hosea Gear slots onto the wing, joined by Digby Ioane and the immortal Andrew Walker.
Cross-code star Lote Tuqiri features on the bench, with Tongan coach Toutai Kefu hinting he might come on for some minutes himself.
"We’re really pleased with the talent both teams have been able to provide," he said in a statement
“There’s some legendary names in Queensland Rugby lacing up the boots for the first time in a long time, which just goes to show what a great cause we are raising money for.
“So many people in the Rugby community have been touched by the disaster in Tonga and I encourage everyone to donate what they can to the UNICEF Australia Tongan Recovery Appeal.”
Vintage Reds XV v Tongan Invitational XV, Saturday 19 February, Suncorp Stadium, 5pm:
Vintage Reds XV
Sean Hardman
Stephen Moore
Guy Shepardson
James Horwill
Nathan Sharpe
Ben Mowen
David Croft
Scott Higginbotham
Nick Frisby
Berrick Barnes
Rodney Davies
Lachlan Turner
Drew Mitchell
Mike Harris
Chris Latham
Mark Chisolm
Sam Cordingley
Tim Aitkinson
Tom McVery
Dallan Murphy
Tom Court
Mark Connors
Andrew Farley
Adam Wallace-Harrison
Ernest Skelton
Nick Gregorski
Mitch Chapman
Pat Howard
Brad Thorn
Tongan Invitational XV
Tevita Mailau
Trevor Leota
David Feao
Dan Leo
Radike Samo
Simana Halaifonua
George Smith
Lolo Fakaosilea
Jacob Raulini
Shane Drahm
Hosea Gear
Mafileo Kefu
Lloyd Johansson
Digby Ioane
Andrew Walker
Eddie Aholelei
Salesi Manu
Criff Tupou
Paula Kaho
Matt Mafi
Richard Kingi
Steve Kefu
Pila Fifita
Lote Tuqiri
Aidan Toua
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/starst...-match-2022216
