Tonga have named thirteen new caps to face the All Blacks this weekend.
Tonga last played the All Blacks in 2019. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 22-man squad includes 18 New Zealand-based players, two from Australia, and one each from France, Japan and Italy.
'Ikale Tahi head coach Toutai Kefu hoped to have as many as 28 players available to play against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday, but has had to recruit majority of the team from clubs and provinces around New Zealand because of Covid-19 and MIQ restrictions.
New faces include recent Super Rugby debutants Solomone Funaki (Highlanders), Viliami Taulani (Chiefs), Sam Moli (Tasman), Hawke's Bay's Solomone Funaki and Mateaki Kafatolu, and Japan based winger Hosea Saumaki.
Saumaki turned down an opportunity to play for the 'Ikale Tahi when he was approached by Kefu three years ago, but said he's grateful to have a second chance.
Hosea Saumaki stars for Japan's Super Rugby team, the Sunwolves Photo: Photosport
"Let's be honest, I wasn't fit for this job and I wasn't in the right mindset and everything [at that time], and to get another opportunity is a big call for me and my family," he said.
"I didn't know that I would get [another] chance to play for Tonga, for my country, but the reason I'm here in the first place is for my family."
Taulani has only played twice for the Chiefs this season, and is one of four debutants on the bench alongside Tau Koloamatangi, Walter Fifita (North Harbour), and Harrison Mataele (Counties Manukau).
While others in his position would otherwise be reluctant to commit to the Kingdom so early, the 24-year-old said it was an easy decision to choose to play for his country.
Chiefs backrower Viliami Taulani could make his test debut against the All Blacks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"Not only is it going to give me more opportunities, that will come with the jersey, but at the same time it's an honour to wear the red and white jersey," he said.
Veteran halfback Sonatane Takulua will captain the 'Ikale Tahi alongside some familiar faces including Chiefs backrower Zane Kapeli, former Highlanders number eight Nasi Manu, Manawatū hooker Siua Maile and Padua first five James Faiva.
He said he's excited to see a number of new faces play their first test against the All Blacks.
"I know most of them just you know by face watching them play ITM and club rugby in New Zealand. I know there's a lot of new faces, exciting players too."
Meanwhile Faiva, who finished his two weeks in managed isolation on Tuesday, is looking forward to leading the backline against the world's best.
Players like Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga should be easy to handle, he joked.
"Should be easy, they've got two legs, two arms so haha nah… it's always a pleasure to measure myself against top players in the world so I can't wait."
Having played in the French Top 14 competition semi-final at the end of June, Bordeaux prop Ben Tameifuna won't be available for this weekend's match but will finish his two-weeks stint in quarantine next Tuesday, in time for their qualifying tests against Manu Samoa.
The former New Zealand international said he's looking forward to the challenge.
Ben Tameifuna and the 'Ikale Tahi perform the Sipi Tau Photo: Photosport
"I think the first goal is to be to be qualified for the World Cup and if we can do what we can individually from our own sides, as a team it should come together," he said.
"We're just waiting for the opportunity and I can't wait to really get out there and get amongst the young boys and play some good footy for the country."
After facing the All Blacks, Tonga will play two Rugby World Cup qualifying tests against Manu Samoa in Auckland on 10 July and Hamilton a week later.
The winner will secure their berth in the 2023 tournament in France, while the loser will play-off against the Cook Islands.