Fiji brace for a bruising Pacific Nations Cup opener against Tonga in Suva
Flying Fijians lock Temo Mayanavanua says Fiji are ready for a stern test when Tonga visit for the Pacific Nations Cup opener in Suva this Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm at the HFC Bank Stadium. Tonga’s 30-16 win over Samoa last week has them fired up, and Mayanavanua expects Tonga to come out hard and direct.
Mayanavanua praised Tonga for capitalising on the chances they created against Samoa and warned Fiji to expect a similar level of intensity. He noted that Tonga’s physicality will set the standard Fiji must meet, saying the team has stepped up training to match that challenge and keep their own standards high.
“We know they’re going to come direct,” Mayanavanua said. “Today was one of our hardest training days of the week, and the group prepared really well for it. If an opportunity presents itself, you take it—credit to Tonga for how they did that against Samoa.”
Beyond focusing on the opposition, Mayanavanua highlighted the importance of Fiji sticking together and building on recent performances. He stressed that Fiji remain a tier-one nation and must uphold high standards regardless of which players take the field. The squad is working to translate the progress they’ve made since July into another strong performance.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere has also spoken about the home advantage and the support waiting in Suva. With two weeks between matches and the squad integrating a mix of experienced leaders and fresh talent, Fiji are determined to defend their Cup crown on home soil. Ikanivere emphasized discipline, smart game management, and the need to execute the plan from the opening whistle, believing the fervent home crowd can lift the team.
This match will feature three uncapped players who have shown form in domestic and provincial rugby, part of a broader squad built to blend youth with experience. The defending champions finished 2024 with 155 points across four matches and just 55 conceded, a benchmark the team hopes to surpass as they begin the 2025 campaign.
Fans are encouraged to turn out in force to back Fiji as they pursue another positive start to the tournament. The atmosphere at the HFC Bank Stadium is expected to be electric as the Flying Fijians seek to set a strong tone for the rest of the Cup.
What to expect this weekend: a forward-led, high-intensity battle designed to contest the breakdowns and sustain pressure; effective integration of uncapped players into a cohesive unit while maintaining discipline under pressure; a balance of powerful forward play and structured backline attack, supported by careful game management from the opening whistle.
Context and outlook: Fiji are aiming to translate youth and leadership into consistent performances, with a focus on defense, discipline and smart game management as they begin their home campaign. A disciplined, energetic performance against Tonga could provide meaningful momentum for the Cup and beyond.
Summary: The opening Pacific Nations Cup clash in Suva pits Fiji’s depth and leadership against Tonga’s physical test, with home support and a clear plan to control tempo, contest the breakdown, and maintain discipline. A strong start could set a positive tone for Fiji’s Cup run and their broader regional ambitions.
Additional value: this match offers insight into how Fiji plans to adapt tactics with new players stepping up, and how the team balances youth with experience as they defend their title on home soil. If Fiji execute their plan with consistency, they could gain a crucial early advantage in the Cup and build confidence for forthcoming fixtures.
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