Tonga's captain Finau Maka has been passed fit to lead his side against the All Blacks in tonight's opening game of the Rugby World Cup at Eden Park.

Maka has overcome a troublesome ankle injury and after training well was cleared to take his place as the openside flanker.

Tonga face a mammoth task against the All Blacks, though they ran both England and South Africa close at the last World Cup before going out after the pool stage.

Tongan coach Isitolo Maka, a former All Black No.8, said they're preparing for a bruising forward encounter.

The opening game between the All Blacks and Tonga kicks off at 8.30pm and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM with the new voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and 2007 World Cup coach, Ilivasi Tabua.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi