Looking forward to it: Manu

Almost a decade on from winning the World Cup with New Zealand, Tonga captain Sika Manu is preparing for ‘‘mixed emotions’’ when he faces the Kiwis for the first time today.

Part of the triumphant crew from 2008, where the Kiwis upset the Kangaroos 34-20 for what remains their sole World Cup victory, Manu is now sporting the red of Tonga, and will front up to a trio of team-mates from that night.

Unlike some of his new comrades, who made the late defection from New Zealand, Manu has been in the Mate Ma’a ranks since 2013, playing the World Cup that year, then taking on the captaincy two years later.

The hard-running 30-year-old second-rower has the opportunity to lead Tonga to unprecedented territory, with the chance for them to become the first tier-two country to beat one of the big three sides.

It will see him go toe to toe with Simon Mannering, Thomas Leuluai and Adam Blair, who were team-mates on that special night nine years ago in Brisbane.

‘‘I’m a looking forward to it, it’s been a long time since I’ve played for the Kiwis, but I’m happy where I’m at right now and playing for Tonga,,’’ said Manu, who played for New Zealand from 2008-2011.

‘‘Just playing against a quality side like New Zealand is always exciting, and to add on that I’ve played for them before, it just makes it that extra bit exciting.’’

While the leadup had been nothing too out of the ordinary, despite all the controversy with defections, the skipper knows when he’s likely to feel the emotions ramp up.

‘‘I think it will probably be the anthem,’’ said Manu, whose brother is set to sing the Tongan tune for a second week running.