A core of experienced players have been recalled for Tonga's European rugby tour opener against Spain in Madrid on Sunday.
Front rowers Tevita Mailau and Paula Ngauamo, locks Steve Mafi and Joe Tu'ineau, wing Fetu'u Vainikolo and centre Siale Piutau have been named in the starting line-up and will play their first test since the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
'Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Siua Halanukonuka will start at tighthead prop, with the 30-year old Highlander set to add to his sole test cap from 2014.
The only new cap in the starting side is Chiefs loose forward Tevita Koloamatangi at number eight, with the other six run-on players all having been involved in the June internationals.
Valentino Mapapalangi, Kotoni Ale, Tevita Taufu'i and Fetuli Paea are all poised to make their test debut from the bench, while Sione Lea, Paea Fa'anunu and Tomasi Palu last played a test in 2014.
Tonga coach Toutai Kefu and assistant coach Matt O'Connor. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
'Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu said the team is a mixture of new and old, which has been somewhat dictated by circumstance.
"The team that we've chosen at the moment probably would be the best available to us so with things going our way it should get the job done," he said.
"Having experience it helps and we've got some younger players coming into camp too - and they really adapted really well. Unfortunately we've had probably three to four quality players, over the last month, pull out and just some recent injuries...hopefully they'll come back to us in the next couple of weeks.
"We figured it gives an opportunity to a guy underneath him to play well and grasp that with both hands."
Toutai Kefu said Racing Metro prop Ben Tameifuna (illness) and Leicester Tigers wing Telusa Veainu (concussion) were unavailable for selection, while some other players have pulled out of the squad in the past couple of weeks.
Scrum training at 'Ikale Tahi practice in Spain. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Tonga squad:
Tevita Mailau
Paula Ngauamo
Siua Halanukonuka
Steve Mafi
Joe Tu'ineau
Dan Faleafa
Jack Ram
Tevita Koloamatangi
Sonatane Takulua
Kali Hala
Fetu'u Vainikolo
Latiume Fosita
Siale Piutau
Nafi Tu'itavake
David Halaifonua
Elvis Taione
Sione Lea
Paea Fa'anunu
Valentino Mapapalangi
Kotoni Ale
Tomasi Palu
Tevita Taufu'i
Fetuli Paea
