Tonga relaxed as a country holds its breath

It may well be the biggest sporting event in the country’s history but don’t expect Tonga to be overawed by the occasion of today’s Rugby League World Cup semifinal.

Tonga take on favourites England in Auckland determined to keep their dream run going for one more week by sealing a place in the decider.

Mt Smart will not have seen an atmosphere like this for some time with about 30,000 people expected to pack out the stadium, the majority of them the Tongan fans who have played such a key role in bringing the tournament to life.

But while this is the first time Tonga have reached semifinal stage of the tournament, they have no shortage of big-game players.

Seven of the side, including of Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita, have played in NRL grand finals. Four have represented New South Wales in State of Origin and their skipper, Sika Manu, was part of the Kiwis side that famously stunned the Kangaroos in the 2008 World Cup final.

And as much as they have loved watching their fans getting caught up in the World Cup fever, the Mate Ma’a have their feet firmly planted on the ground.

‘‘There’s been a really good buzz around camp,’’ Manu said after Tonga put the finishing touches on their preparations.

‘‘We’ve tried to relax a little bit more. Obviously it’s a big game and we don’t want to go in too energetic, we have to go in thinking smart. We’ve been relaxing off the field but when it’s time to train we’ve been really good.’’

That relaxed attitude was evident as Taumalolo danced his way down the tunnel for the cameras during yesterday’s captain’s run.

Make no mistake, though, Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said the Cowboys wrecking ball was more than ready to lead way in the heavyweight battle upfront against England’s Sam Burgess and James Graham.

‘‘Jason’s like he is every week to be honest, he doesn’t get fazed too much,’’ Woolf said.

If there is one area Tonga do lack experience it is in the halves.

Ata Hingano and Tuimoala Lolohea have played just 80 NRL games between them, with the latter shuffled across multiple positions.