The Tonga Under 20 rugby team take on the Australian Barbarians in Canberra today, in the opening match of the Australian Nations Under 20s Championship.
The Tongan squad have been training together since November and are using the week-long tournament as preparation for the World Rugby Under 20 Trophy in Portugal in May.
They managed a convincing win over a Penrith club team at the weekend and team manager Atinono Latu says results are just as important as their performance.
"We are going for both - to win the championship and it's also good for the boys to develop their skills and how to perform and prove to the coach that we are ready for the championship in Portugal".
The Fiji Under 20s are also competing in Canberra, along with teams from Queensland and New South Wales, but don't play their first match until Monday.
The Tonga squad in Australia for the National Under 20s rugby championship. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
