Tonga will supply the fans, Lebanon the playmakers

Goalkicking prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho is expected to be fit for a Tongan team wary of Lebanon’s playmaker halves in today’s Rugby League World Cup quarterfinal in Christchurch.

Both nations are in the playoffs for the first time, but Tonga are overwhelming favourites – at $1.03 at the TAB – after upsetting the Kiwis last weekend.

Lebanon coach Brad Fittler accepts AMI Stadium will be a sea of red, but is urging the tiny Christchurch Lebanese community to rally behind the Cedars.

‘‘Someone told me, at the last census, there were 59 Lebanese people in Christchurch. We would really appreciate it if all 59 turned up; that would be great,’’ quipped Fittler.

Both teams trained at the match venue yesterday, with Taukeiaho sporting an ice pack on his knee as he sat out the goalkicking part of the practice.

But Tonga coach Kristian Woolf thought the Roosters forward – who was outstanding against the Kiwis – should take his place in the front row.

‘‘We had a plan for him to only do half the session, he’s just been a little ginger this week. He’s has a massive couple of weeks – looking back at the Samoa game, he played pretty close to 70 minutes, and as a middle forward that’s a really tough thing to do/’’

Woolf is mindful that Lebanon are capable of ‘‘trying a few tricks and testing us in different ways’’.

‘‘We’ve got to defend well and make sure we handle Robbie Farah and Mitchell Moses [the Lebanon halves] really well.

‘‘That’s the two biggest threats. They are really key, as is the 9, [hooker] Michael Licaah.

’’If you watch how they play, they move the ball well and they play a little bit of footy on yardage, as well.’’

While the Tongans will follow Moses and co to the promised land, Fittler is mindful that the Cedars have to ‘‘stay in the game’’ against their powerful opponents.

‘‘They all come up the middle, their wings come up the middle, and their fullback.

‘‘They’ve got some really skilful players. [Tuimoala] Lolohea did some wonderful things against New Zealand.

‘‘They are obviously big and they can offload the ball.’’

Fittler will be expecting Lebanon to show the spirit they displayed against Australia and England in pool play. ‘‘You can’t get disheartened by being run over sometimes. It’s physics.

Cedars captain Robbie Farah said ‘‘courage and working hard for your mates’’ were key parts of Lebanese culture.

He will be urging his side to display those traits as they seek to farewell stalwarts forwards Ray Moujalli, Nick Kassis and the injured Chris Saab in style.