The Llanelli points machine has not played for Wales – or any game for that matter – since the 43-9 hammering by England in Cardiff two months ago.
But after slipping behind Ceri Sweeney for the outside-half role and below Iestyn Harris in the kicking stakes, Jones is desperate to discover the form that saw him hold the mystical red No 10 jersey for the best part of three years.
Similarly, Mark Taylor, Rhys Williams, Robert Sidoli and Iestyn Thomas are all brought into the side for the first time since that summer defeat to England.
Iestyn Harris, who gave possibly his best performance for Wales against Canada last week, is rested on the bench, so Sonny Parker moves inside to make room for Taylor.
Tom Shanklin replaces Gareth Thomas, Leeds Tykes No 8 Alix Popham starts with captain Colin Charvis moving to the openside of the scrum for Martyn Williams and hooker Mefin Davies takes over from British Lion Robin McBryde.
‘I already had this team pencilled in before the first game,’ admitted Wales coach Steve Hansen.
‘We have a plan in place for the first couple of games as if we’re going to be successful we have to use the whole squad.’
Tonga, meanwhile, are still awaiting news on their influential captain Inoke Afeaki, who was stretchered off unconscious against Italy on Wednesday night, and shoulder injury victim Benhur Kivalu.
Wales: Rhys Williams; Mark Jones, Mark Taylor, Sonny Parker, Tom Shanklin; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Iestyn Thomas, Mefin Davies, Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Llewellyn, Robert Sidoli, Dafydd Jones, Colin Charvis, Alix Popham Replacements: Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Chris Wyatt, Martyn Williams, Dwayne Peel, Iestyn Harris, Garan Evans
Tonga: P Hola; S Fonua, S Hufanga, J Payne, T Tu’ifua; S Tu’ipulotu, S Martens; K Pulu, V Ma’asi, H Lavaka, U Latu, V Vaki, I Fenukitau, S Afeaki, B Kivalu (capt).
Replacements: E Taukafa, T Lea’aetoa, M Ngauamo, N Naufahu, D Palu, G Leger, S Va’enuku.
