Ikale Tahi

The team is eager to take on Tonga on home soil in a much anticipated game at the Teufaiva Stadium.

It has been eight years since the Ikale Tahi played on home ground and Saturday’s game will be the first international match since the stadium was given the all clear by World Rugby officials earlier this month to host test matches.

As the visitors checked into Tanoa International Dateline Hotel yesterday afternoon, the Digicel team were ready to provide the team with assistance on Visitor SIMs and Top Up.

Tonga take on Samoa on Saturday in the 2017 Pacific Nations Cup opener before tackling Fiji on July 8.

“We are on track,” the former Wallabies No.8 said.

It’s been several years since there has been an international rugby match at Teufaiva Stadium. The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) is hosting two matches of the 2017 PNC.

The last international rugby game to be held at Teufaiva Stadium, according to the TRU was in 2012, between Tonga and the Flying Fijians.

The 'Ikale Tahi will look to make history tonight in Auckland, after eight previous attempts at defeating the Welsh.

Their last encounter was four years ago when the Wales won 17-7 in Cardiff.

Veteran flanker Nili Latu, skipper Siale Piutau and first five Latiume Fosita are survivors from that match and will start at Eden Park, while Sila Puafisi could add to his 26 caps off the bench.

Meanwhile Wales are missing 12 players to the British and Irish Lions.

Piutau admits that raises expectations.

"We've definitely spoken about it as players," he said.