Captain Tevita Ikanivere of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians is cautious as his team prepares to face hosts Tonga in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup match in Nukua’lofa tomorrow. Ikanivere will lead a 23-man squad in this significant competition after the team’s arrival in the Friendly Islands.
“Playing Tonga at home, supported by their enthusiastic crowd, is what we anticipate. We view this match as an important preparation,” Ikanivere stated before departing on Tuesday. He highlighted the team’s focus on rectifying errors made in their previous encounter against Samoa last month.
Fiji achieved a convincing 42-16 victory over Samoa in their first Pacific Nations Cup match at HFC Bank Stadium, while Samoa recorded a similar win over Tonga (42-17) in Apia last weekend.
“We expect the same physical contest as against Samoa. It’s crucial to maintain the physicality and hard work from the start to ensure our success. We need to avoid penalties to prevent conceding ground,” he added.
Fiji and Tonga have a long-standing rivalry, with their first Test match dating back to 1924. This weekend marks the 95th clash between the two nations over the last century.
Adrea Cocagi returns to the inside center position for the Flying Fijians. New Fijian Drua recruit Vuate Karawalevu will join Epeli Momo on the wings, and Isaiah Ravula will play as fullback. Albert Tuisue takes on the Number 8 role, moving Kitione Salawa to the bench. The back row will consist of Tuisue, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, and Elia Canakaivata.
In the front row, the team includes Eroni Mawi, Ikanivere, and Samuela Tawake, along with Mesake Vocevoce and Temo Mayanavanua in the second row. Frank Lomani is set for scrum-half duties, alongside fly-half Caleb Muntz, while Iosefo Masi will play as outside center.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 PM.
Flying Fijians:
1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Albert Tuisua, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Epeli Momo, 12. Adrea Cocagi, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Vuate Karawalevu, 15. Isaiah Ravula;
Reserves:
16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Haeteiti Hater, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, 20. Kitione Salawa, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Inia Tabuavou, 23. Ilaisa Droasese.