KEY POINTS:
Tongan second rower, Inoka Afeaki is poised to play his third Rugby World Cup in France, as Tonga's head coach Kutusi Fielea announced a thirty man squad for France at the weekend.
Afeaki played in 1995 and captained the Ikale Tahi in 2003.
A number of players are reprising their roles a second time around, Ephraim Taukafa, Viliami Vaki, Pierre Hola, Tevita Tu'ifua and Sukanaivalu Hufanga.
Most of Fielea's squad played this year's IRB Pacific Six Nations tournament, Tonga finishing fourth with one victory, a 21-15 toppling of Fiji.
Tonga lost 50-3 to their RWC opponents, Samoa in the final round.
Tonga are in Pool A with defending champions England, South Africa, Samoa and USA after negotiating the Repechage.
Fielea said the aim is to win two games, most importantly to topple Samoa.
"We think it's achievable to win at least two games in the pool," he said.
"We have a good group of people, both overseas and local players everyone is focussed on the game, this is a Cup year, now is the chance to really get going.
A chance to make sure we do not slide back into the lower ranks."
They will hope to record a first RWC win in six when they kick off against the USA Eagles in Montpellier on 12 September.
The squad will leave Tonga on Saturday to travel to New Zealand for a friendly against Auckland B on 15 August before heading for Scotland and another match against Edinburgh at Inverleith.
Tonga squad:
Forwards: Toma Toke, Mosese Moala, Taufa'ao Filise, Soane Longopoa Tonga'uiha, Siosateki Havea Mata'u, Ephraim Taukafa, 'Aleki 'Aho Lutui, Kelekolio Paino Hehea, Inoke Unga'anga Afeaki, Lisiate Fa'aoso, 'Emosi Kauhenga, 'Otenili Langilangi, Tevita Hale Nai Tu'uhoko, Viliami Laukau Vaki, Finau Maka, 'Osaiasi 'Alu-moe-Lotu Filipine.
Backs: Soane Patita Pat Boone Sioape Havea, 'Enele Taufa, Raymond Pierre Hola, Tevita Hemilitoni Tu'ifua, 'Epeli Taione, Joseph Wilson Vaka, Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga, 'Isileli Matakaiongo Tupou, Seti Kiole, Ualosi Kailea, 'Aisea Paseisei Havili Kaufusi, Vungakoto Filimone Lilo, Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu, Hudson Tonga'uiha.
- RADIO AUSTRALIA SPORT