Tongan assistant coach John McKee said the side did not talk about seeking out All Blacks with big hits and it was more about the Tongan players going out and showing committed defence.
"We want players to go out and make effective tackles. We're not picking out one player from another. If the tacklers can get hold of the ball-carrier and make an effective tackle then that is what we are trying to do," he said.
McKee said captain Finau Maka had undergone a fitness test on a dodgy ankle yesterday and had come through the captain's run well and been cleared to play.
The side is coached by former Otago and Highlanders No 8 Isitolo Maka, the older brother of the captain.
Tongan halfback Taniela Moa is returning to familiar ground after playing the bulk of his career with Auckland.
"It is special for me and for my family. We've spent a month in Tonga and now to come back here and play the first game here is a real honour. We've done our homework and the boys are ready to play."
Tonga has enjoyed great support in Auckland, and Moa, who had his hair braided yesterday in red and white beads, said in no way would the overwhelming backing by Tongan fans be any distraction for the team.
All the support for the side would give the team extra incentive to play well tonight.
Otago prop Halani Aulika is not in the side tonight and neither is former Otago winger Fetu'u Vainikolo.
Former Wallabies No 8 Toutai Kefu is also on board the Tongan team.
He had originally been lined up to just help out with the Tongan lineout in July but that had been expanded.
Tonga is a side from a small island nation buts its players are spread far and wide.
McKee said a large number of players competed in top competitions in Europe so that helped raise playing standards.
"But it also means it can be hard to get all the players together and get them to play in a certain style. We want to play in a certain Tongan way and it can take time to bring that in."