Already make or break

Pool D: Tonga and Italy line up in a match which both believe is likely to decide their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Neither country has reached the last eight before, and the Italians will be trying to banish memories of the only other meeting between the sides, a dramatic encounter at the 1999 World Cup in England.

With the scores locked together seconds from the end, Tonga full back Sateki Tu'ipulotu completed one of the most remarkable feats in World Cup history when he sent a 35-metre drop goal soaring through the posts to give his team a 28-25 win.

Tu'ipulotu will again line up against the Italians in Canberra. Tonga's leading scorer, with 186 points, will this time play outhalf, having become the mainstay of the Tongan backline since 1999.

One of three Tongan survivors from that match, he is joined by scrumhalf Sililo Martens and number eight Benhur Kivalu, who played at lock four years ago.

For the Italians, captain and scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon, centre Cristian Stoica, winger Nicola Mazzucato and reserve forward Carlo Checchinato all return with bitter memories.

Italy coach John Kirwan says is clearly their most important in the group. "This is our focus point," Kirwan said.

Italy were thrashed 70-7 by New Zealand at the weekend but Kirwan rested many key players, including Troncon, and has brought back them all back in, making 14 changes for the Tonga match.

TONGA: Hola; Fonua, Leger, Payne, Tu'ifua; Tu'ipulotu, Martens; Lea'aetoa, Taukafa, Lavaka, Vaki, Ngauamo, Afreaki (capt), Fenukitau, Kivalu. Replacements: Ma'asi, Pulu, Latu, Afeaki, Alatini, Johnny Ngauamo, Va'enuku.

ITALY: Canale; Mazzucato, Stoica, M Dallan, D Dallan; Wakarua, Troncon (capt); Lo Cicero, Ongaro, Castrogiovanni, Dellape, Bortolami, De Rossi, Persico, Parisse. Replacements: Festuccia, Perugini, Checchinato, Bergamasco, Mazzantini, Mazzariol, Masi.