Tonga will hope to repeat history at the Rugby World Cup on Sunday when they tackle Pool C powerhouse France.

The Pacific islanders pulled off one of the upsets of the World Cup eight years ago in New Zealand with a famous 19-14 pool-stage victory over the Six Nations side.

While a repeat performance at Kumamoto Stadium seems unlikely, Tonga, who have lost both of their previous matches in the "pool of death," gained a measure of confidence watching the United States bother France before going down 33-9 in Fukuoka four days ago.

Coach Toutai Kefu has made two changes to the XV who started against Argentina in last weekend's 28-12 loss.

Tighthead prop Ma'afu Fia comes in for Ben Tameifuna, and Cooper Vuna replaces Viliami Lolohea on the right wing.

Kefu said his players were steeling themselves for a physical contest again France, who won 38-18 when the two sides last met in 2013.

(Siale Piutau of Tonga tackles an Argentina player.)

"They have not shown their best yet and no way will we be taking them lightly. They have won their two games -- you can't ask for more than that, and that's two more than us," said Kefu, a member of the Australian side who beat Les Bleus to win the 1999 World Cup.

"The French are just the French -- unpredictable -- but our focus has always been on ourselves."

With hot and humid conditions expected in Kumamoto, Tonga assistant coach Grant Doorey said 'Ikale Tahi will need to keep errors to a minimum if they are to have any chance of an upset.

"It's been difficult. There have been a lot of dropped balls and errors," the Australian said.

(Gael Fickou (bottom, R) of France scores a try.)

"Ball retention and field position are always important -- they are fundamental things and we can't control conditions. It's just a matter of adapting to each day."

France are determined to earn another bonus point as they look to advance from a pool containing fellow title hopefuls England and Argentina, who Les Bleus narrowly beat in their opening match.

Coach Jacques Brunel has made 11 changes to the XV who started against the United States, retaining only Camille Chat, Paul Gabrillagues, Sofiane Gitoune and Alivereti Raka.

Maxime Medard, the only holdover from France's defeat by Tonga in 2011, will start at fullback. The 32-year-old also wore the No. 15 shirt on that fateful day in Wellington.

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