Five New Faces Named as Fiji Face Tonga in Pacific Nations Cup in Suva

Five new players named in Flying Fijians line-up to face Tonga in Pacific Nations Cup in Suva

Five new players have been named in the Fiji Water Flying Fijians’ match day 23 to take on Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva this Saturday. Etonia Waqa and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre are set to start, while Motikiai Murray, Kemu Valetini and Taniela Rakuro will come off the bench.

Head coach Mick Byrne says the five call-ups are a result of strong form, noting they performed well through the Super Rugby season. “We got a good mix of experienced players that have performed well in July and a couple of new, young players coming in. As we build towards 2027, we are certainly not taking our eyes off this game on Saturday. It’s an opportunity to continue to build our depth with the best players that we have,” Byrne said.

The Fiji side features Eroni Mawi at loosehead prop, with Tevita Ikanivere captaining the team from hooker and Mesake Doge at tight head. Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua are the locks, while Etonia Waqa and Elia Canakaivata are the starting flankers, and Viliame Mata wears the number eight shirt. In the backs, Philip Baselala starts at scrum-half with Caleb Muntz donning the 10 jersey. On the wings, Ponipate Loganimasi and Kalaveti Ravouvou line up, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at fullback. Seta Tamanivalu lines up at inside centre and teams with Samusamuvodre at outside centre.

The bench includes Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce and Sam Wye as additional cover.

Fiji hosts Tonga on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Summary
Fiji’s Pacific Nations Cup squad features five fresh faces in a blend of youth and experience as they prepare for a tough home test against Tonga. The selection signals Byrne’s intent to deepen the squad ahead of future World Cup cycles while aiming to maintain momentum from recent results.

What to watch
– The new starters, especially Waqa and Samusamuvodre, will be looking to make an immediate impact on the wings and midfield.
– Captaincy and leadership from Tevita Ikanivere will be key in directing the forward pack.
– The balance between a physical, forward-heavy pack and creative backline play could define how Fiji handles Tonga’s known intensity.
– The bench options add flexibility to respond to the game’s flow and potential injuries or penalties.

Commentary
Byrne’s emphasis on depth-building aligns with Fiji’s broader strategy to sustain performance across a busy Pacific Nations Cup schedule and into the 2027 cycle. With several players getting opportunities to stake a claim, the match offers a clear picture of where Fiji wants to strengthen heading into future tests.