A familiar face will be back directing the Tonga backline in today's opening Pacific Nations Cup rugby clash against Georgia.
Kurt Morath kicks a penalty during Tonga's famous victory over France at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Kurt Morath last played for the 'Ikale Tahi at the 2015 World Cup but, after stints in the United States and Japan, the veteran first five is looking forward to adding to his 30 test caps.
"After that last World Cup I sort of stepped away a little bit , club commitments and that sort of thing, but here I am again so pretty happy to be here," he said.
"Not too many of us left but there's some good young boys running around in this team, a lot of talent, and there's obviously still a few other guys to come in as well so it's pretty exciting for the team, for Tonga Rugby as well."
Morath said playing for Tonga is special.
"I think a lot of it's to do with your family, just being proud of your heritage and where you come from and that sort of thing.
"I know for my family they're always so proud when I put on that red jersey so for me it's mostly that but also for myself if I didn't think I could still perform and give it everything I've got I wouldn't come back," he said.
Tonga first five Kurt Morath. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
The 33 year old Morath is also looking forward to rekindling his partnership in the halves with Sonatane Takulua.
"Last World Cup we were paired up so we played a bit of footy together, so it will be good to get back with my old mate there at halfback.
"I think since that 2015 World Cup I think he's sort of kicked on pretty well and he got that chance in Newcastle and he sort of hasn't looked back so he's done really well," he said.
Tonga have lost their last two tests against Georgia but captain Siale Piutau believed the team was well placed to contend with the Lelos, Manu Samoa and Flying Fijians for the PNC title.
"Like every tour we get in there and put down some goals and these are definitely winnable tests," he said.
"I think we've grown as a group over the last couple of years.
"I think it's been stated all the off-field issues that we get right from management to a union and I think that's issues that are probably faced all in the Pacific," Piutau said.
"You can see teams like Fiji have been leading for a number of years now, they've managed to fix a lot of those issues but for us as players we just try and focus on what we can control and that's putting our performance and our trainings in and trying to get that victory."
'Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
