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Tonga suffered a late blow on Friday when centre Rob Toia was ruled out with a leg injury. Paul Alamoti, a try-scorer in the 36-0 group-stage win over Lebanon, steps in.

Tonga's head coach Kristian Woolf had initially named the same 19-man squad that beat Samoa 20-18 in that epic match in Sydney six days ago. It will be fascinating to see how well they have recovered from their exertions - they have had one day fewer to prepare than New Zealand.

Isaiya Katoa played the full 80 minutes in his return from an ankle injury and will again line up alongside Tui Lolohea in the halves.

Tonga: Lehi Hopoate, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Tolutau Koula, Paul Alamoti, Jojo Fifita, Tui Lolohea, Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Salesi Foketi, Jason Taumalolo, Haumole Olakau'atu, Siua Wong, Tyson Frizell.

Interchange: Soni Luke, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga, Taniela Paseka, Leka Halasima, Latu Fainu.

Reserve: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

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Yes, the big news in the New Zealand camp is full-back Ponga's return to the starting line-up.

He was initially named as a reserve, before he was promoted to the bench on Friday, with Leo Thompson dropping out. But just 90 minutes before kick-off, it was confirmed that he would start, replacing Keano Kini at full-back.

Ponga broke his forearm during the Kiwis' opening match against Australia just 23 days ago.

Hooker Phoenix Crossland - having served a four-match ban for the tackle during the NRL play-offs that put Australia half-back Nathan Cleary out of the World Cup - is on the bench. He came into the squad on Monday for the injured Jacob Laban.

Ronaldo Mulitalo serves a one-game ban - imposed for a careless high tackle in last weekend's fiery match against Fiji - and so Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad takes his place on the wing.

New Zealand: Kalyn Ponga, Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Joseph Tapine.

Interchange: Keano Kini, Te Maire Matin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Phoenix Crossland.

New Zealand's women have secured their Rugby League World Cup final place. Can the men follow suit against Tonga? We're about to find out.

Oh, and by the way, Kalyn Ponga is back.

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