Captain Piutau primed to face France

Coach Toutai Kefu has again opted for a largely settled starting XV, but tight-head prop Ma'afu Fia replaces Ben Tameifuna, who started Tonga’s previous two matches.

Cooper Vuna is rewarded for his performance against Argentina - he comes in at right-wing to replace Viliami Lolohea.

Nasi Manu, who overcame testicular cancer to make the Sea Eagles squad, has returned to the bench after he withdrew late before the match against Argentina due to a sore hip.

Tonga may be able to profit from some insider knowledge. Six of their match-day squad played their club rugby in France last season: Malietoa Hingano (Aviron Bayonnais), Sitiveni Mafi, Maama Vaipulu (both Castres), Leva Fifita (Grenoble), Paula Ngauamo (Agen) and Siegfried Fisiihoi (Stade Francais).