 Molitika replaces injured second-row Paino Hehea |
Cardiff Blues utility forward Maama Molitika has been called up to Tonga's Rugby World Cup squad. The 33-year-old replaces lock Paino Hehea, who suffered a shoulder injury in the 30-25 defeat to South Africa.
Molitika, who returned to Cardiff this summer after playing in Japan, joins Tonga in time for Friday's quarter-final against England in Paris.
"Lock is his specialist position and he can play any position in the back row," said Tonga coach Quddus Fielea.
 | I think it would make the World Cup even more interesting if Tonga got to the last eight Tonga coach Quddus Fielea |
"He's a good player, very mobile, good in defence."
The winner of Friday's game will advance to meet Australia in the quarter final in Marseille on 6 October (1400 BST).
"I think it would make the World Cup even more interesting if Tonga got to the last eight," said Fielea.
"At our first press conference, I said we were looking to get to the quarter-finals.
"I could see people looking at me thinking I was crazy. Now we are one game away from getting there. People need to say sorry."
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