Physical Tongans plan expansive World Cup opener

Tongan coach Isitolo Maka watches a team training ahead of Friday night's Rugby World Cup opener. Photo / Getty Images

Tonga have acknowledged they will bring physicality to the All Blacks but they hope to spring a few surprises, with a more expansive game than many are predicting in tomorrow's Rugby World Cup opener.

Coach Isitolo Maka, who was a fearsome tackler and ball-running No.8 during his playing career, has named a team that he thinks can test the All Blacks out wide as well as up the middle.

He said: "I have faith in our backline because we could move the ball wide then show what we can do. It's not just about smashing each other and going into contact, maybe we could surprise by playing a different style of game.

"We've looked at the speed of the New Zealand team and the way they play. So we're looking at the fittest guys that we've got. Probably we can match them fitness-wise."

His brother Finau, Tonga's captain, said all the expectation would be on the All Blacks for tomorrow night's clash at a sold-out Eden Park.

"There's no pressure on us, the pressure is on them," he said. "We're just going to go out there and give it to them and see if they can handle it.

"We don't really care what team they have, or who they're going to pick, we'll just worry about ourselves and play our own game."

Tonga goes into the match following a victory over Fiji, whereas the All Blacks have two losses on their form line. But although the majority of Tonga's players compete for European clubs, the All Blacks have far too much quality in their side to worry about a shock upset.

Tonga: Soane Tonga'uiha, Aleki Lutui, Taufa'ao Filise, Paino Hehea, Joseph Tuineau, Sione Kalamafoni, Finau Maka (c), Viliami Ma'afu, Taniela Moa, Kurt Morath, Siale Piutau, Andre Ma'ilei, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Viliame Iongi, Vungakoto Lilo. Reserves: Ephraim Taukafa, Alisona Taumalolo, Kisi Pulu, Sione Timani, Samiu Vahafolau, Samisoni Fisilau, Alipate Fatafehi.