Tonga’s hopes of pulling off a Pacific Championships miracle have received a major boost with inspirational lock forward Jason Taumalolo cleared to return from a knee issue as his side looks to produce a big win over New Zealand.

Last week’s heavy loss to Samoa means Tonga must beat the Kiwis by at least 17 points to qualify for the final, and they’ve received much needed help in the middle with Taumalolo named to start after he missed their first game.

He’s a big inclusion for the trip to Auckland where Tonga will be without Stefano Utoikamanu (HIA protocols) after he was hit high in the opening minutes against Samoa, while centre Robert Toia (foot) will also miss the game.

Felise Kaufusi has been named to start at prop, while Penrith’s Paul Alamoti gets the nod at centre in a game Tonga must win by three converted tries to book a rematch with Samoa at CommBank Stadium next week.

The Kiwis just have to avoid a 17-point loss and they’ve also made a number of changes to the side that defeated Samoa earlier this month.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona has dropped out of the 17 but they’ll still have plenty of height with 199cm giant Xavier Willison named on the bench to make his NZ debut.

Seb Kris replaces Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) on the left wing, while Phoenix Crossland comes in for the injured Jeremy Marshall-King.

It’s fairly smooth sailing for the Jillaroos ahead of their game against New Zealand, with the teams to meet again in next week’s final in Sydney.

Ellie Johnston has been promoted to the starting side at prop, while aggressive forward Sarah Togatuki replaces the speedy Jakiya Whitfeld on the bench.

“This Sunday shapes as a great test for the team coming up against a very familiar opposition in the Kiwi Ferns who will be looking to put on a great performance in front of their home fans on a special occasion at Eden Park,” Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner said.

“We’ve made a great start to the tournament with the win last Sunday, but there is still a lot we can do to improve on that performance and New Zealand brings a different challenge for us. These are always very tough and physical contests, and it will be up to us to match the intensity and physicality that we know the Kiwi Ferns will bring.”

Originally published as Pacific Championships squads: Jason Taumalolo cleared for Tonga return as Kiwis drop their enforcer