Thursday 27th September 2007
Tonga are ready to "throw the kitchen sink" at England in Friday's World Cup eliminator at Parc des Princes.
The Pacific Islanders, rated as pre-tournament cannon fodder for the likes of England and South Africa, are one win away from their first World Cup quarter-final appearance.
While England still start as favourites to book a last-eight appointment with Australia next Saturday, Tonga intend making life distinctly uncomfortable as the reigning world champions target the runners-up spot in Pool A behind South Africa.
Tonga captain Nili Latu memorably claimed his team had thrown "the petrol tank - and the car included" at South Africa in Lens last Saturday after they came within a converted try of claiming an astounding victory over the Springboks.
"We are going to throw the kitchen sink at England," said Latu, who is still battling a hamstring injury that restricted his training this week.
"People back home have been over the moon with what we have done in this tournament, and it is rewarding for us to see where the country is now.
"Even being here is bringing Tongans together as one, but it's not just for us.
"We are here to do a job and change the face of rugby in the islands, and in Tonga especially. This is going to benefit the whole country."
Tonga are boosted by the return from suspension of New Zealand-based flanker Hale T Pole, who packs down in the back-row alongside Latu and Toulouse number eight Finau Maka.
Behind the scrum, meanwhile, Tonga can call on their experienced fly-half Pierre Hola and former Newcastle centre Epi Taione to attempt to make in-roads.
Taione though, knows how England will benefit from fit-again Jonny Wilkinson's presence, as illustrated by his 24-point haul during the face-saving victory over Samoa last Saturday.
"We are well aware that we are facing a different England side when it has Jonny Wilkinson in it," said Taione, of his former Falcons colleague.
"England are world champions, and they have improved from their first game, but we will give it the best shot we have.
"This is the biggest moment in our sporting history.
"We know that we have a lot of support in the likes of Tonga, France, Scotland and Ireland. Anywhere that doesn't like England will be wanting us to win.
"And this is a personal game for me, to play against players I know. There's no bigger moment for me to meet them."
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