TONGA'S 'Ikale Tahi national rugby team greeted the Prince Regent Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka at the Polata'ane Residence in Nuku'alofa on Wednesday August 31, smartly dressed in their national attire and jackets.

The team members were introduced individually to the Crown Prince by Tonga Rugby Union Authority Deputy Chairman 'Aminiasi Kefu.

The TRUA's new Chairman Rev Tevita Latailakepa, Board Directors Fakahau Valu and Aloma Johansson with Head Coach 'Isitolo Maka were also present.

The players after taking an official group photo with the Crown Prince then lined up and performed the Sipitau.

With just eight days to go before the 'Ikale Tahi meet the All Blacks on September 9 in the Opening Match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in Eden Park, Tonga has united in their national support for the team.

On Saturday, August 27 a national fundraising was held for the team in Nuku'alofa.

TRUA Chairman Rev Tevita Latailakepa told Matangi Tonga Online on August 31, they had to date received donations amounting to over $100,000 pa'anga.

He said at the Saturday fundraising alone they had raised and received over $50,000 pa'anga and more donations had been pledged to them.

"The national support for the 'Ikale Tahi from the Tongan public has just been tremendous and we are really happy to see the whole nation is backing us with their support," he said.

The 'Ikale Tahi team and management depart for New Zealand on Monday, September 5.