The action heats up in Pool D as Tonga play Wales in a match which may have a large bearing on quarter final places.
Form guide
The teams had contrasting starts to the Tournament with Wales convincing 41-10 winners over Canada under an enclosed roof at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome last week. Tonga were defeated by the Italians 36-12 in Canberra.
Previous meetings
These two sides have met fives times with Tonga yet to record a victory over the Red Dragons. The last time the two sides met, Wales recorded a resounding 51-7 victory.
In their only previous RWC encounter, at the inaugural event in 1987, Wales prevailed 29-17.
Ins and outs
Wales have made eight changes to the side that opened against Canada. Fly half Stephen Jones comes in for Ceri Sweeney. Jones is one of Wales' leading points scorers and is renowned for his ability to control the game through his boot.
Captain Colin Charvis moves to flanker, giving Alix Popham his first RWC cap at Number 8. Popham is one of six Welsh players making their debut.
Starting in the centres is the Welsh player of the year in 2000, Mark Taylor, who sat out most of 2002 after injuring a knee during the British Lions' tour of Australia.
Tonga coach Jim Love has made five changes for his side’s second game. In the forwards Kisi Pulu, Viliami Ma’asi, Usaia Latu and Stanley Afeaki come into the starting side after playing from the bench in the last game.
Captain Inoke Afeaki has been ruled out after sustaining an injury against Italy, number 8 Benhur Kivalu will have the ‘c’ next to his name.
Key players
Wales will be looking for the backline direction again from centre Iestyn Harris. Harris starred for Wales in their first game, creating plenty of headaches for the Canadian defence with a personal haul of 16 points.
With the Tongan pack looking to rediscover their form, Welsh captain Colin Charvis will be vital from flanker.
The Tongans will be looking for the strike power out wide to create havoc for the Welsh. Coach Love will be hoping centre John Payne continues his try scoring run after crossing against the Italians, while wing Tevita Tu’ifua also lurks as a threat with his elusive running style.
What it means
The match-up looms as a crunch game in the Pool, as Tonga need to win to keep their play off hopes alive. Wales will also be looking to keep their campaign on track and a victory would ensure they would be just one more away from reaching the quarter finals.
What they said
After watching Tonga lose to Italy Welsh coach Steve Hansen expects the Pacific Islanders to be extremely physical. "It's win at all costs for them and if they don't get any points their Tournament's all over."
Coach Jim Love maintains Tonga still has a hope of reaching the playoffs. "We've still got opportunities and chances, we'll regroup, we're a slim chance but always a chance."
Scrum half Sililo Martens typifies his side's fighting spirit. "We're not here to have a picnic, we're here to play rugby. The old saying goes - we are down but not out."
Match details
Wales v Tonga
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
19 October 18:00