Having already turned out for the Blues and All Blacks this year, former Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his long-awaited debut for Auckland when they take on Bay of Plenty on Sunday.
Former Bay of Plenty coach Clayton McMillan made it clear a few years ago that the best way to ensure continued success at provincial level was to boast a large number of full-time professional players. The latest squad boasts exactly that.
Tonga have reportedly dropped one of their 13 debutants from their side a day out from their test against the All Blacks amid an eligibility row.
Tonga have named nine debutants in their starting side to face the All Blacks at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday.
All Blacks captain Sam Cane will make his return from a month-long sideline spell with Bay of Plenty in their opening Mitre 10 Cup clash against Taranaki on Sunday.
As it currently stands, Tongan captain Siale Piatua will play his final Test match on Sunday in Osaka when Tonga go to war with the USA. A familial connection could lead to him potentially donning the red jersey in the future, however.
Tonga were denied a chance at qualifying for a maiden World Cup quarter-final after nearly tipping up France in what would have been a massive shock result.
Tonga scored three tries against France but Les Bleus survived to keep their bid to top Pool C intact.
Billy Vunipola has made a career out of smashing people in the contact but he was given a taste of his own medicine during England's win over Tonga.
Follow all the action from the World Cup warm-up match on the RugbyPass live blog as the All Blacks host Tonga at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
