Tonga vs Zimbabwe Predictions - Tonga to come out on top against Zimbabwe in Nations Cup match

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

Brad Newcomb 2 hours ago

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Tonga’s experience gives them the upper hand in this match.
Zimbabwe recently qualified for World Cup but face tougher opposition now.
Tonga are predicted to cover the handicap.

Tonga had a solid Pacific Nations Cup campaign (Getty Images)

Tonga had a solid campaign at last year's Pacific Nations Cup, finishing third overall. Zimbabwe recently qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 36 years, but face tougher opposition now.

Tonga have won 2 of their last 5 matches.
Tonga finished third at the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup
Zimbabwe recently qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1991.

Head to Head

Zimbabwe have a slight edge, with one victory to none against Tonga.

Tonga Form

Tonga played one Test during the Autumn Internationals in November last year, losing 56-0 to Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium.

Before that, Ikale Tahi had a solid 2025 Pacific Nations Cup. They beat Samoa 30-16 and lost 32-10 to Fiji during the group stages. They had no answer against Japan in the semi-finals, losing 62-24 before bouncing back with a 35-24 victory over Canada to finish third overall.

Tonga will start as favourites against Zimbabwe, as they have significantly more experience than their opponents at Tier 1 and Tier 2 level, and they achieved some success during the recent Pacific Nations Cup.

Zimbabwe Form

Zimbabwe travelled to face South Africa A recently, losing 40-0 to their hosts after trailing 21-0 at the half-time break.

Before that performance, the Sables qualified for the upcoming Rugby World Cup by winning the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. They beat Morocco 43-8 in the quarter-finals, Kenya 29-23 in the semi-finals, and Namibia 30-28 in the final.

Zimbabwe have been in good form recently, but they face a tough assignment against a Tonga side that played some solid rugby during their Pacific Nations Cup campaign.

Team News

Tonga

Forwards: Phil Kite, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Aru Moli, Fatongia Paea, Paula Latu, Sekope Lopeti-Moli, Sam Moli, Jay Fonokalafi, Adam Coleman, Leva Fitita, Veikoso Poloniati, Semisi Paea, Lotu Inisi, Samu Tuitupou Junior, Jimmy Tupou, Otunuku Pauta

Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Augustine Pulu, Siaosi Nginingini, Patrick Pellegrini, William Havili, Solomone Kata, Pita Ahki, Fetuli Paea, Fine Inisi, Otumaka Mausia, Taniela Filimone, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Telusa Veaniu

Zimbabwe

Forwards: Liam Larkan, Matthew Mandioma, Bryan Chiang, Bornwell Gwinji, Michael Kumbirai, Cleopas Kundiona, Farai Mudariki, Victor Mupunga, Tjide Visser, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Gary Porter, Simba Siraha, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Aiden Burnett, Dylan Utete, Tinotenda Mavesere, Jason Fraser

Backs: Keegan Joubert, Hilton Mudariki, Ian Prior, Bruce Houston, Dion Khumalo, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Trevor Gurwe, Matthew McNab, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Edward Sigauke, Tapiwa Mafura