Carter gets the game started and the Tongans take in the kick off

Kick off seconds away

And now the players turn to the traditional war cries the Sipi Tau of Tonga and the formidable All Black Haka

Next up the turn of Tonga

Anthems now and New Zealand up first

Nonu takes to the field to celebrate his 100th cap

Teams in the tunnel now and about to take to the field where the pre game formalities awaits

Hey Sammie
Why's retallic on the bench?
Savea?
You think he wants to see skudder and naholo together
Just think selection should be more settled at this stage

St James' Park plays hosts to the clash between New Zealand and Tonga. A match up that is a rematch of the opening fixture of the tournament four years ago, sees a mile stone being reached by the mercurial center Ma'a Nonu who run out for his 100th test cap. Tonga need a victory as that would secure automatic qualification for RWC 2019.
The past three meetings between these to sides saw the All Blacks dominate proceedings and putting big scores against their South Sea Island neighbors. Kick off not far away, and as always there will be in depth coverage of the game which can be followed on Ultimate Rugby