Tonga captain Finau Maka has overcome a troublesome ankle injury and will start against New Zealand in the opening game of the rugby World Cup on Friday.
<notforsyndication>Watch live coverage of New Zealand v Tonga on RTÉ2 and online at www.RTÉie/sport (RoI) from 8.30am. </notforsyndication>
"Fina did a fitness test this evening, prior to the training, and came through that well and trained with the boys tonight and he will be starting," Tonga's technical advisor John McKee told reporters at Eden Park on Thursday.
Maka's brother Isitolo, the head coach of Tonga, selected Fina on Wednesday to start at openside flanker before revealing he was not sure his sibling would be fit to play.
Tonga team: Vungakoto Lilo, Viliame Iongi, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Andre Ma'ilei, Siale Piutau, Kurt Morath, Taniela Moa; Viliami Ma'afu, Finau Maka (capt), Sione Kalamafoni, Joseph Tuineau, Paino Hehea, Taufa'ao Filise, Aleki Lutui, Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: Ephraim Taukafa, Alisona Taumalolo, Kisi Pulu, Sione Timani, Samiu Vahafolau, Samisoni Fisilau, Alipate Fatafehi.
