Finau Maka
Tonga
player portrait
Full name Sosefo Finau Maka
Born July 10, 1977, Longoteme
Current age 46 years 253 days
Major teams Pacific Islanders, Toulouse, Tonga
Position Back-row
Height 6 ft 2 in
Weight 242 lb

Test career
Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Won Lost Draw %
All Tests 2007-2011 9 9 0 5 1 0 0 0 4 5 0 44.44
Tonga 2007-2011 8 8 0 5 1 0 0 0 4 4 0 50
Pacific Islanders 2008-2008 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
IRB Rugby World Cup 2007-2011 7 7 0 5 1 0 0 0 3 4 0 42.85

Career statistics
Test debut Tonga v United States of America at Montpellier, Sep 12, 2007 match details
Last Test France v Tonga at Wellington, Oct 1, 2011 match details
Test Statsguru Main menu | Career summary | Match list | Most points | Most tries | Tournament list
Profile

Finau Maka gives new meaning to the term "impact player". At 6'2" and 242lbs, Tongan number 8 Maka is an imposing presence from the base of the scrum, with his now trademark afro hairstyle making him a distinctive figure on and off the field.

A late starter in international rugby, Maka made his debut for Tonga against the USA at the 2007 World Cup, aged 30. He had originally held aspirations of following his elder brother Isitolo into an All Blacks shirt but later turned his attentions to playing at the 2007 World Cup in the colours of France.

Maka qualifies for France through residence, having played for French heavyweights Toulouse since 2001. French chief Bernard Laporte decided against selecting Maka for the World Cup, leading to him grasping the opportunity to represent the nation of his birth at the tournament.

His explosive pace and bullish ball carrying ability immediately marked him out as a danger man in the hugely combative Tongan back row, alongside Hale T-Pole and captain Nili Latu.

With a try and a man of the match performance under his belt after his debut, Maka continued his good form into the crunch fixture against Samoa, and both he and Tonga were able to hold out for a memorable 19-15 victory.

Maka highlighted a change in style for the Tongan side at the World Cup, with his excellent skills and discipline allowing them to compete at the breakdown with the best in the world. This change was evident when the Tongans were narrowly defeated 30-25 by eventual World Champions South Africa in the next group game.

By the time Tonga had exited the tournament at the hands of England, Maka had ensured that he was no longer the French Top 14's best kept secret. Both he and the Tonga side returned to a hero's welcome on the island.

Maka's exploits at the World Cup can now be added to his achievements at club level, where he has won the Top 14 and Heineken Cup on two occasions during his time with Toulouse.

Latest Articles
Tonga ring the changes (Sep 19, 2011) Tonga opt for wholesale changes (Sep 12, 2011) All Blacks opt for bulky backline (Sep 8, 2011) Tonga primed for physical encounter (Sep 7, 2011) Maka to lead Tonga at World Cup (Aug 23, 2011) Finau Maka news and articles (10) »
Latest Photos
May 8, 2010
Finau Maka is hoisted aloft by team-mates Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and William Servat
Finau Maka is hoisted aloft by team-mates Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and William Servat
©  Getty Images
Apr 18, 2009
Toulouse's Finau Maka vies with Toulon's Guillaume Ribes
Toulouse's Finau Maka vies with Toulon's Guillaume Ribes
©  Getty Images
Sep 23, 2007
Finau Maka
Finau Maka
©  Getty Images
May 22, 2005
Finau Maka charges at Stade Francais
Finau Maka charges at Stade Francais
©  Getty Images

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