Tonga missing stars
TONGAProbably marginal favourites in a devilishly difficult group three, Tonga almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history at the 1995 tournament.
Facing arch-rivals New Zealand in a group encounter, Tonga blasted into an early lead, only to have their hearts broken when a last-minute drop-goal gave the Kiwis a barely-deserved win.
Since that famous day, Tonga have struggled to find consistency on the international circuit, due in part to being unable to field their best players on a regular basis.
That problem has been overcome for this year's tournament and a whole nation will watch with baited breath to see if their heroes can fulfil the promise shown five years ago.
Their plans received a major blow when Jim Dymock withdrew from the squad on the eve of the tournament.
He will be sorely missed although they still have a clutch of Super League stars, most notably Bradford utility back Tevita Vaikona and Leeds' Martin Masella.
Coach Murray Hurst will impress on his charges the need to get off to a flier against South Africa and a win would put the side in good heart ahead of the clash with group hosts France.
Whatever the results in Tonga's opening two games, rugby league fans who like their action at its rawest should head for Perpignan on November 6.
The clash between Tonga and fierce rivals Papua New Guinea is sure to be one of the most brutally explosive of the tournament.