Tonga rugby coach Toutai Kefu is grateful to have some experienced heads among a heavily depleted 'Ikale Tahi squad named for the June internationals.
There are 14 new caps in the 31-man line-up, with just 11 members of last year's Rugby World Cup squad included.
Kurt Morath is one of many players missing from 'Ikale Tahi squad. Photo: AFP
A host of key performers, including Sona Taumalolo, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Siale Piutau and Kurt Morath are missing, with Kefu saying up to 20 players were unavailable for selection.
Veteran flanker Nili Latu returns as skipper and is one of just four players, along with Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione and Sione Kalamafoni, to have played more than 20 tests.
Nili Latu will captain Tonga again. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
With World Cup qualification on the line against Fiji and Samoa, Toutai Kefu said they need all the experience they can get.
"And a credit to them because they are in the same boat as a lot of the players that were unavailable so they've had long seasons. A lot of those senior players that are in the squad and have made themselves available have been up for a very long time so for them to make themselves is fantastic and with such a short prep time we need that experience, especially with the profile of the squad."
The 'Ikale Tahi will also play a one-off test against Georgia next month.
