The Tongan Rugby team have had extra hands relieve the pressure of their gruelling playing schedule of three test matches over 12 days.
Students studying massage at NorthTec have jumped at the chance to relieve the aches and pains of the 2011 Ikale Tahi team.
The Northland students have beenpractising their technique ahead of the Canada and Japan games the team played in Whangarei.
Tutor Lorraine Barton says they've been helping the squad because it has limited funds for extras such as massages.
"We practice on each other in class and several local athletes but it's really nice to be able to say this is out in the real world and especially to be involved with the Rugby World Cup."
With a one win, two loss record in the tournament so far the Tongans are an outside chance to make the quarterfinals and need a victory against France in ten days to secure an unlikely playoff spot.
