'Ikale Tahi performing the Sipi Tau. Photo: Photosport
Tongans are expected to pack Te'ufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa on July 14 when the 'Ikale Tahi squares off against Australia A in a celebration rugby union match to honour stars of the past.
The stars are the Tongan players who created history on June 30, 1973 when they defeated the Australian Wallabies 16-11 in Brisbane.
Tonga Rugby Union chief executive officer Peter Harding told RNZ Pacific the rugby match will end weeks of celebrations that has seen the 50th year of that famous win celebrated in different forms around the country.
It will also be part of the TRU's 100th year anniversary.
Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala has been confirmed to be at the rugby match, in place of King Tupou VI, who is tied up with other commitments.
Harding said Tonga was a hive of activity right now with Nuku'alofa packed as the Kingdom also celebrates the annual week-long Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga conference, the annual Heilala Festival and the Tonga High School 75th anniversary.
"So right now, Nuku'alofa is very busy and there has been a lot of celebrations," Harding said.
"On top of that we have had the rugby celebrations to remember the famous Wallaby win and the 100th birthday of the game (in Tonga).
"The rugby clash on July 14 will bring all that to a close and it is certainly something that we are all looking forward to."
Harding said tying the game down has been a long negotiation and the TRU was grateful that the Australia Rugby Union had agreed to have Australia A play against Tonga in the capital.
He said the Australians will be a tough team as they are made up of fringe Wallabies.
"They have named a strong squad to travel to Tonga for the game and that shows the level of interest they have placed on the game," he added.
Programmes of celebration over the past week has seen some members of the 1973 team visiting King Tupou VI, attending celebration dinners and being guests at the upcoming rugby match.
Harding said they are excited about Friday's match, which will see the star-packed 'Ikale Tahi playing at home for the first time since 2017.
"It's been a long time coming and having the 'Ikale Tahi play at home after a long time definitely is something that local fans are looking forward to," he said.
The 'Ikale Tahi squad started arriving in Nuku'alofa last week to start preparing for the game and the Pacific Nations Cup series against Fiji, Japan and Samoa later this month.
Star players in the squad include former Wallaby Israel Folau and former All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, Vaea Fifita and Charles Piutau.
Harding said local fans who have followed the players and their interests to play for Tonga at the Rugby World Cup now could see them play for their national team.
"That alone is a big thing and local fans are buying tickets very quickly too. We expect a packed crowd at the games and hopefully that gives the players the boost they need heading into the World Cup," he added.
The 'Ikale Tahi will fly to Fiji after the July 14 match to prepare for their Pacific Nations Cup series against the Flying Fijians in Lautoka on July 22.
