By Matt Findlay

The Tongans, simply, aren’t expected to progess to the quarter-finals. Not without a small miracle anyway.

That won’t stop them potentially creating a world of trouble for New Zealand and Argentina though – the two sides tipped to move forward.

Twenty of the Tongans third-finishing World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup side have made the cut for the RWC squad, with three players who made their debut in that competition in Telusa Veainu, Viliami Tahitu’a and Sosefo Ma’ake being named.

Scrum-half Sonatane Takulua and winger Fetu’u Vainikolo, who finished as joint top try-scorers in the PNC, also got picked.

The ‘Ikale Tahi also boast 11 stars all playing their rugby in England.

In pool C’s most interesting game, Tonga faces Argentina in its third clash of the pool stage, and the game will almost certainly decide which of the two sides progresses along with the All Blacks.

However it would take a monumental effort from Tonga to topple Argentina, but considering the ‘Ikale Tahi should remain undefeated through their first two games against Georgia and Namibia, there is more than an outside chance.

After only naming 30 for his original squad, Tonga coach Mana ‘Otai announced the inclusion of New Zealand-born lock Uili Kolo’ofai as the group’s final member several days ago.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Fetu’u Vanikolo (wing)

He’s familiar with the international scene having played 21 Tests for Tonga, but more impressively, he’s scored 16 tries in that time – including one against Japan at the 2011 RWC.

Basically, given space, Vanikolo is as dangerous as most other wingers in the tournament, and is equally as explosive in traffic.

He’s played for the Highlanders and Exeter, and plys his trade for French club Oyonnax currently, so comes from good club pedigree.

He has the potential to be Tonga’s biggest attacking threat, if he is afforded enough space to move.

SQUAD

Forwards: Tevita Mailau, Alisona Taumalolo, Soane Tonga’uiha, Halani Aulika, Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione, Paula Ngauamo, Aleki Lutui, Tukulua Lokotui, Joeseph Tiuneau, Steve Mafi, Opeti Fonua, Hala T-Pole, Nili Latu (c), Jack Ram, Viliami Ma’afu, Sione Kalamafoni, Uili Kolo’ofai.

Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Samisoni Fisilau, Sosefo Ma’ake, Kurt Morath, Latiume Fosita, Sione Piukala, Siale Piutau, Viliami Tahitu’a, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Telusa Veainu, Tevita Halaifonua, William Helu, Vungakoto Lilo.

FIXTURES

Saturday, September 19: vs Georgia; Kingsholm, Gloucester; 12pm

Tuesday, September 29: vs Namibia; Sandy Park, Exeter; 4.45pm

Sunday, October 4: vs Argentina; Leicester City Stadium, Leicester; 2.30pm

Friday, October 9: vs New Zealand; St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne; 8pm