Despite a win over Fiji in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup in June, Tonga are still playing catch up in Oceania. They qualified third from the region behind Samoa and the Fijians after walloping American Samoa over two legs to book the final spot. The Tongans are marginally ahead of the USA in the world rankings.

The two could decide the wooden spoon when they meet in their opening game in Montpellier. A victory there and an upset against Samoa could change the shape of this group however, and secure automatic qualification for New Zealand 2011.

• Sililo Martens
  Twenty-five-year-old Martens is a highly rated scrumhalf. Weighing in at 95 kilos and at 1.8metres tall, he is no push over either. His coach has described him as being as "as good as any scrumhalf in New Zealand", because of his dynamic pass and kicking off both feet. Martens now plays his club rugby with Bridgend after two seasons with Swansea. If he can keep things neat and tidy against the USA and Samoa, he could mastermind a direct passage to the next tournament in New Zealand.
• Taufa’ao Filise
  The experienced Filise could prove to be a key player for the Ikale Tahi having built up a wealth of experience at international level. He was part of the Pacific Islanders squad that toured Great Britain and Ireland last year, yet only rejoined the Tonga side for the Pacific Nations Cup after a lengthy absence. The powerful prop has played club rugby with Bay of Plenty in New Zealand but is now an integral part of the Cardiff Blues pack, having featured 23 times for the Welsh side last season.
• Otenili Langilangi
  Langilangi, formerly known as Nili Latu, is a powerful flanker who is not afraid to work hard and can often turn nothing into something, a vital quality to have at international level. The 25-year-old possesses a remarkable record for the Ikale Tahi, captaining his country during the 2007 Pacific Nations Cup and in the run-up to the World Cup having only made his debut last year. He plays his club rugby with the Hurricanes in New Zealand, where he vies for a position with All Blacks Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo.

• Forwards
  Toma Toke, Mosese Moala, Taufa'ao Filise, Soane Longopoa Tonga'uiha, Siosateki Havea Mata'u, Ephraim Taukafa, 'Aleki 'Aho Lutui, Kelekolio Paino Hehea, Inoke Unga'anga Afeaki, Lisiate Fa'aoso, 'Emosi Kauhenga, 'Otenili Langilangi, Tevita Hale Nai Tu'uhoko, Viliami Laukau Vaki, Finau Maka, 'Osaiasi 'Alu-moe-Lotu Filipine.
• Backs
  Soane Patita Pat Boone Sioape Havea, 'Enele Taufa, Raymond Pierre Hola, Tevita Hemilitoni Tu'ifua, 'Epeli Taione, Joseph Wilson Vaka, Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga, 'Isileli Matakaiongo Tupou, Seti Kiole, Ualosi Kailea, 'Aisea Paseisei Havili Kaufusi, Vungakoto Filimone Lilo, Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu, Hudson Tonga'uiha.