6) Tj Ioane: The Sale and Samoan backrower offers a great work rate in defense and at the break down, he doesn’t lack in the carrying department either. A work horse of a player he’d be instrumental in the team his ball retention ability and his aggressiveness around the park.
7) Jack Lam: Another leader of the team, Lam is one of Bristol’s go to men, a proper flanker, Lam carries strongly, jackles properly and is a monster tackle, like Ioane, Lam is a work horse around the park and would be crucial in giving the team front foot ball and being disruptive all around the park.
8) Nili Latu: The skipper of the team, the man to lead the team into battle, he’s been around for a while and certainly isn’t getting any younger at 35 but he has experience as Tonga’s skipper and has been instrumental in Dean Richards Falcons team, another all rounder to finish the back row but his main trait is his big carrying, vital in giving the team front foot ball through his big carries, the inspirational skipper is one of the most important men on the team sheet.
9) Sonatane Takulua: more commonly referred to as just Tane Takalua, the Newcastle scrumhalf is a complete ball of energy, the 3rd Tongan to play for Newcastle in this list, it’s no coincidence how successful they’ve been this season with this man at the front, a great goal kicker and tackler on top of his quick distribution make him one of the most important men on the team.
10) Ben Volavola: The playmaker, the well-travelled Fijian has been around super rugby playing for teams like The Crusaders, The Waratahs and most recently the Rebels. With a slick pass and boot, he’d be the man to orchestrate what is a pacey and powerful backline.