KEY POINTS:
NUKU'ALOFA - Tonga is a perennial also-ran at the World Cup but its characteristic physical Pacific Islands game ensures the respect of its opponents.
There has been grumbling about being pooled with fellow Polynesians Samoa, defending champions England, former winners South Africa and the United States.
The team
put in a patchy performance in the Pacific Nations Cup in June and July, although that ended on a high note by leading the Junior All Blacks at halftime before inevitably succumbing, and then beating island rivals Fiji.
The Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles) have also had to contend with turmoil within the Tongan Rugby Union. Rival factions have been fighting for control of the union, delaying until August 10 the naming of the final World Cup squad of 30 players.
Coach and former Tongan international Quddus Fielea was forced to take over the team at short notice when Australian Adam Leach left in March in frustration over the shambolic state of the game in the island monarchy.
Fielea told Radio Australia the aim was to win two games and most importantly to defeat arch-rivals Samoa.
"We think it's achievable to win at least two games in the pool," he said.
"Now is the chance to really get going, a chance to make sure we do not slide back into the lower ranks."
Tonga appeared in the first World Cup in 1987, failed to qualify in 1991 and recorded their first victory in the tournament in 1995 with a 29-11 win over Ivory Coast.
They will be hoping to record their third World Cup win in France this year against the United States, but will have a tough task to beat any of the other three teams in the pool.
Their best bet will be to spring a surprise on neighbours Samoa, although the Samoans were the most improved of the island teams in the Pacific Nations Cup this year and dealt Tonga a 50-3 thrashing.
Even if qualification for the quarter-finals is a remote possibility, there is plenty to play for because the top three teams from each pool will automatically qualify for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
Tonga is a side which often does not perform well away from home but included in the initial squad are a large number of European-based players, who may be able to put their local knowledge to good use in France.
Key players will be skipper and Super 14 Wellington Hurricanes loose forward Otenili Langilangi, who plays in New Zealand as Nili Latu, Perpignan flanker Viliami Vaki and Worcester hooker Aleki Lutui.
COACH
Quddus Fielea
Tongan coach Fielea is a former Tongan international, who played for his country in the inaugural 1987 World Cup. The former winger scored a try against Wales in the World Cup.
The 40-year-old was being groomed to take over as Tongan coach from Adam Leach, when the Australian left suddenly in March over disarray in the Tongan union and his lack of influence in team selection.
Discord in the union has not improved since Fielea's appointment but he has stuck to the task of preparing the team for the World Cup
KEY PLAYER
Otenili Langilangi, prop
Team captain Langilangi, who plays in New Zealand as Nili Latu, is a dynamic flanker who currently plays for the Wellington Hurricanes in the Super 14 after a stint with the Waikato Chiefs and provincial New Zealand team Bay of Plenty.
The 25-year-old given the nickname "The Tongan Torpedo" in New Zealand led his national team in the recent Pacific Nations Cup after making his national debut last year against Japan. He has also represented New Zealand Under 19s and New Zealand Secondary Schools.
- AFP