Tonga have named an experienced line-up for their opening clash of the Rugby World Cup against Georgia.
Tonga train ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
10 players in the starting line-up have previous World Cup experience for the 'Ikale Tahi, with another three on the bench.
However, only five players remain in the run-on side from Tonga's most recent World Cup clash - a famous win over France in Wellington four years ago.
Captain Nili Latu is back after missing the 2011 tournament and will equal the record of most caps for Tonga when he takes the field for the 41st time in the red jersey.
Nili Latu will captain Tonga at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP
Elvis Taione, Tevita Mailau, Sitiveni Mafi, Sonatane Takulua and Telusa Veaninu will make their World Cup debuts.
Telusa Veainu is competing in his first Rugby World Cup for Tonga. Photo: AFP
Tonga and Georgia have played three times, with Tonga prevailing 23-9 in their most recent clash in November.
Full squad:
15-Vungakoto Lilo
14-Telusa Veainu
13-Will Helu
12-Siale Piutau
11-Fetu'u Vainikolo
10-Kurt Morath
9-Sonatane Takulua
8-Viliami Ma'afu
7-Nili Latu (c)
6-Sione Kalamafoni
5-Sitiveni Mafi
4-Tukulua Lokotui
3-Halani Aulika
2-Elvis Taione
1-Tevita Mailau
16-Paula Ngauamo
17-Sona Taumalolo
18-Sila Puafisi
19-Hale T Pole
20-Jack Ram
21-Samisoni Fisilau
22- Latiume Fosita
23-Sione Piukala
