Tonga captain Maka a doubt for rugby W. Cup opener

Inspirational Tonga captain Finau Maka is a doubt for the opening World Cup clash with the All Blacks on Friday despite being named in the side. Maka, a powerhouse for top-flight French club Toulouse for many years, strained an Achilles heel five days ago and has not been able to train since. A decision on whether he will start against the All Blacks will be made after Thursday's captain's run. "We have just one concern, Finau. We will finalise it tomorrow," his brother Isitolo Maka, who is the Tongan coach, told a press conference when naming his side on Wednesday. But Finau interrupted saying: "He's thinking like that, but to me I'm playing. We'll have a captain's run tomorrow and see from there." Tonga have opted for a 5-2 forward-back split as they prepare to take the mighty All Blacks on up front. Isitolo, a former All Blacks number eight, said they were preparing for a bruising forward encounter. Waikato Chiefs halfback Taniela Moa has been given the nod to start ahead of the strapping 95-kilo (15-stone) Samisoni Fisilau, who likes to operate as an extra forward. Isitolo said it was a difficult decision knowing when to start Fisilau, but the decision was made to bring him off the bench when fresh muscle power was needed. The pack also includes Auckland Blues backrower Viliami Ma'afu, props Taufa'ao Filise from the Cardiff Blues and Soane Tonga'uiha of the Northampton Saints and hooker Aleki Lutui, who plays for the Worcester Warriors. The coach said he had also gone for speed in the backline to show Tonga can play an expansive game when required. "It's not just about the contact area. I have faith in our backline. We will move the ball wide and show what we can do. It's not about smashing each other and the opposition going into the contact zone," he said. Team (15-1) Vungakoto Lilo, Viliame 'Iongi, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Andrew Ma'ilei, Siale Piutau, Kurt Morath, Taniela Moa, Viliami Ma'afu, Finau Maka (captain), Sione Kalamafoni, Joseph Ti'neau, Paino Hehea, Taufa'ao Filise, Aleki Lutui, Soane Tonga'uiha. Replacements: Ephraim Taukafa, Alisona Taumalolo, Kisi Pulu, Sione Timani, Samiu Vahafolau, Samisoni Fisilau, Alipate Fatafehi.