The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are gearing up for a tough encounter against the Ikale Tahi Tonga team in round three of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup this Friday. Team assistant coach Aaron Mauger expressed awareness of the challenges that Tonga poses, particularly when playing at home in front of their enthusiastic supporters.
“They’re back at home, in front of their crowd, so we understand the mentality we need to adopt to start strong and face their physical challenge right from the outset,” he stated.
Mauger emphasized that the match would be another exciting chapter for Pacific Islands rugby, anticipating a closely contested and intense matchup. He highlighted the expectation of a physically demanding game in the initial 20 minutes, pointing out Tonga’s reputation for fielding a strong and vigorous side.
Acknowledging the competitive history between Tonga and Fiji, Mauger noted the significance of their 95th test match, which adds to the intensity of their rivalry. He remarked on the historical context, stating, “It’s been a long history with many closely fought battles, and players who have visited Tonga know how challenging it is to compete here.”
Mauger also mentioned that the team is focused on elevating Fiji’s rugby performance in the coming years. “Our priority is enhancing our own game and continuing to evolve Fijian rugby toward new heights. We believe we are on the right path and are looking forward to showcasing our abilities this week.”
He concluded with encouragement for supporters, hoping to see a mix of fans in attendance, acknowledging the expected strong presence of red in the crowd while also wishing for support from the white jerseys of the Flying Fijians.
The match is set to take place on Friday at 3 PM in Nuku’alofa.