Scotland: Tonga's Hale T-Pole in starting line-up for Pittodrie

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Hale T-Pole in action for Northland
Image caption,

Hale T-Pole in action for Northland

Northland flanker Hale T-Pole replaces Leicester Tigers' Steve Mafi in Tonga's back row for their autumn Test against Scotland at Pittodrie.

It is the only change to coach Mana Otai's side after their 22-13 win over the United States at Parc Eirias in Wales on Saturday.

Uncapped Marist Tonga hooker Kamaliele Sakalia is among the replacements.

Unattached former Glasgow Warriors number eight Viliami Ma'afu retains his place in Otai's side.

The 30-year-old, who was previously with Japanese side Mitsubishi, signed a two-year contract in February to join the Pro12 side in the summer.

But he was released by Warriors in September, with Ma'fu citing personal reasons for his decision to depart Scotstoun, with the club immediately replacing him with South African Josh Strauss.

There are three British Isles-based players in Tonga's starting line-up for Saturday's match in Aberdeen - Newcastle Falcons centre Suka Hufanga, Connacht wing Fetu'u Vainikolo and London Irish prop Halani Aulika.

Llanelli lock Sione Timani joins Mafi among the replacements as Tonga seek their second win of their European tour.

It kicked off with a 28-23 defeat by Italy in Rome and that was followed by a 24-13 loss to Newcastle Falcons.

Tonga: Vungakoto Lilo (Tarbes Pyrenees), Fetu'u Vainikolo (Connacht), Sukanaivalu Hufanga (Newcastle Falcons), Sione Piukala (Perpignan), Will Helu (Fasi Ma'ufanga), Fangatapu Apikotoa (Amatori), Taniela Moa (Pau), Viliami Ma'afu (unattached); Alisona Taumalolo (Perpignan), Elvis Taione (Western Force), Halani Aulika (London Irish), Joe Tu'ineau (Aix en Provence), Tukulua Lokotui (Wellington), Hale T-Pole (Northland), Nili Latu (captain, NEC).

Replacements: Ilaisa Ma'asi (Counties Manukau), Tevita Mailau (Mont De Marsan), Kamaliele Sakalia (Marist Tonga), Sitiveni Mafi (Leicester), Sione Timani (Llanelli), Viliame 'longi (Marist Longoteme), Eddie Paea (Eastern Suburbs), Alipate Fatafehi (Lyon).