Three Tongan Players Banned, Will Miss U.S. Match

Three Tonga players have reportedly been suspended as a result of their actions in the match against Canada last weekend. Prop Eddie Aholelei was already going to miss the U.S. thanks to his red card, but according to Neil Davidson of The Canadian Press, he has been given three weeks. Those three weeks pale in comparison to a ban given to his teammate. Center Siala Piutau was given six weeks for his hit on James Pritchard while back-up fullback Tevita Halaifonua was given three weeks for his hit on Matt Evans. As a result of the suspensions Tonga have called in San Francisco Golden Gate center Samisoni Pone as cover. UPDATE: Here is the official IRB announcement of the suspensions.

The suspensions will certainly not be without controversy. Tongan coach Mana Otai has accused officials of singling out his players because they are dark skinned. He contends that there was nothing wrong with Puikala and Halaifonua's hits from last Saturday. His comments have been met with skepticism in some corners.

All in all it should make things interesting for the match on Friday.