Fiji and Tonga make adjustments ahead of their match at Te’ufaiva Park in the Pacific Nations Cup
The Flying Fijians and ‘Ikale Tahi have announced their match-day 23 lineups, making adjustments to their starting XVs for Friday’s Pacific Nations Cup showdown at Te’ufaiva Park. On Wednesday morning, Fiji took an early flight into Nuku’alofa and immediately after lunch, they used the matchday pitch for a practice run before revealing their squad.
Tonga received training in the Vaini Doves’ residence in the village of Vaini, which is located halfway between Nuku’alofa and the Fua’amotu International Airport. Assistant coach Aaron Mauger of the Flying Fijians disclosed that injuries had resulted in positional changes and the hiring of new personnel this week.
Star winger Selesitino Ravutaumada is having surgery in Australia right now.As injury covers, North Harbour prop Penaia Cakobau and Fijian sevens representative Ponipate Loganimasi have been called up in place of young Naitasiri hooker Kavaia Ragivetaua, who is also sidelined.
Flyhalf Fijian Drua Isaiah Washington Three key changes have occurred from the lineup that defeated Manu Samoa 42-16 in Suva two weeks ago: Ravula has been moved to fullback, Vuate Karawalevu, a former Waratahs representative, has been moved to wing, and Mesake Vocevoce has been brought in at lock forward. Mauger stated that they are excited for Tonga and that they had a positive review of their previous match.
“There were lots of things we thought we did well against Samoa in the first PNC game, and there were lots of little things we think we could tidy up, so last week gave us a good opportunity to work on our game and prepare for this game,” the former Moana Pasifika mentor said.
“The squad is fit.” As previous games have shown, Mauger noted, Tonga would not be an easy opponent at home.”It’s been a long history, lots of close fought battles, and you know, the guys who have come to Tonga and played here have acknowledged how tough it is to come and play Tonga in Tonga,” he said.
We have recognized each of those chapters. However, we have also been concentrating on improving ourselves and where we want to see rugby and Fiji go in the coming years as we strive to advance both of these sports.”
He claimed that the local Fijians in Nuku’alofa, who have been waiting for the team’s arrival, had given them encouragement. In 2017, the Flying Fijians made their last trip to Tonga for the PNC. In this lineout action, the ‘Ikale Tahi forwards soar into the air as they get ready for Fiji. Image: TRUTonga Rugby Union in picture
Tonga establishes base
Conversely, after losing to the Samoans 43–17, Tonga arrived back home on Saturday from Apia. The Tonga Rugby Union stated that the development phase is concentrated on the 2027 Rugby World Cup, despite the fact that head coach Tevita Tuifu’a and his assistant Nili Latu have not won in their first three Test matches in charge this year.
The new team and its two coaches are laying the groundwork, according to Chief Executive Officer Aisea ‘Aholelei, who also stated on Wednesday that the team will give it their all when playing Fiji.Priority one when building a house should be given to making sure the foundations are solid.
“Here at the Tonga Rugby Union and the ‘Ikale Tahi, we’re attempting to do that because different teams and organizations have different kinds of foundations.
What kind of foundation works best for Tongan rugby at the same time? As I mentioned earlier, we are a Tongan squad, and we know what is best for our team—the Tongan way—so culture plays a big part in this.He felt it was critical to anticipate the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
“We are trying to close those gaps in performance, but at the same time, you can’t go past trying to get the foundations right. “This is arguably the most crucial period for us, the most difficult time to work hard and dedicate ourselves entirely to it, and ideally, everything will take off once 2027 rolls around.”
The Fiji Times in Nuku’alofa was informed by Ikale Tahi’s head coach, Tu’ifua, that his team is hoping to win this Friday at home. He stated that winning the game is crucial for them. “Competition wise, it is so important to win this game moving forward for the knockout next week,” he told the publication.
“Secondly, it is the anniversary between Fiji and Tonga, so it can be history-making for our group, and it is vitally important that we perform well.” They have been concentrating on countering the pace and physicality of Fiji.”We are looking at our defence and execution as well as our discipline,” he stated.
“Fiji will play rugby in the manner unique to them, incorporating some toughness and training as well. The Fijians’ speed and offloads have always posed the greatest concerns.”Since possession is so crucial, neither penalties nor possessions can be taken away.”
The coaches have also chosen to make changes, however, Big Ben Tameifuna has been kept as captain. After strong performances last week, in which Lotu scored two goals, tough number eight Lotu Inisi and his brother, winger Fine, are also kept on.