Kapeli, 27, who only made his test debut 12 months ago, was one of 46 rookies named in the New Zealand Super Rugby squads this week.
He started all four of Tonga's pool games in Japan - making headlines for a crunching tackle on England number eight Billy Vunipola on the opening weekend - and Alatini, who was a skills coach with the 'Ikale Tahi squad, said the opportunity is well deserved.
