Tonga is a Pacific nation of 116,000 people living in what you could only describe as a tropical paradise. It's a small place, but has been fiercely independent since the pre-colonial era.

Once upon a time, Tonga was the boundary between Melanesia and Polynesia, with itinerant nations having to migrate through Tonga to get to the wider Pacific. This led to a legendary martial culture, and a strongly centralised people. When most Polynesian atolls were still a collection of villages, the Tongans had a recognised King.

So how does this translate to rugby, you ask? Good question. The Tongans will play classic, running rugby in the World Cup. 'Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles),  the national team, are a big, tough, combative side. We can expect to see lots of movement, though not necessarily close coordination, and lots of big hits on the opposition.

'We can expect to see lots of big hits on the opposition'

Fast and loose with the ball, 'Ikale Tahi aren't the most sophisticated team in the competition, but are the IRB's 14th-ranked team, which places them above the USA and former giant-killers Romania. They'll certainly have to be approached with some respect, especially if teams are looking to make it to the semi-finals with few injuries.

'Ikale Tahi are in Pool A, which we can expect South Africa and England to emerge from. The September 14 match between these two is probably the game most will tell you to watch out for. But my pick is September 16 when 'Ikale Tahi face Manu Samoa.

'Ikale Tahi have four fixtures this World Cup, on September 12 against the United States, September 16 against Manu Samoa, September 22 against South Africa (ouch!) - and September 28 against England (hopefully a spoiler...). Then they'll go home.