Flying Fijians ready to embrace big expectations in PNC opener against Tonga
The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are embracing the weight of expectation as they prepare to launch their Pacific Nations Cup campaign at home against Tonga. Team captain Tevita Ikanivere said the squad welcomes the pressure coming from fans who expect nothing less than victory, calling it a privilege rather than a burden.
“We want this,” Ikanivere said. “We’re preparing to add this and the work we’ve put in will show next week.” He added that the team had just finished a strong session and was focused on building their systems in attack, defense, and set pieces, with results taking care of themselves on match day.
Motikiai Murray, who captains the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at flanker, noted that Tonga’s size and physicality will demand a robust response from Fiji. “It’s going to be a physical game, especially for the forwards. They’re big and strong, and we’re ready to handle the pressure,” Murray said. He also highlighted the challenge posed by Tonga’s negotiation of space and contact, underscoring the need for discipline and composure in every phase.
The squad includes three uncapped players, but Ikanivere stressed they have already proven their quality. “They may be uncapped, but they’re not new to rugby. They’re in the squad because they deserve it,” he said. While some may feel pressure, the captain framed it as a privilege, noting that the current level of competition is high and the team is gelling well as preparations continue.
Murray echoed the call for the new players to rise to the squad’s standards, saying they must meet the performance bar set by the group’s leaders. “The new players need to rise up to the standard we’ve set,” he stated.
The Flying Fijians will face Tonga next Saturday, August 30, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, with kick-off scheduled for 6 PM. The home clash is expected to be bruising but also a chance to showcase Fiji’s evolving game plan and the balance between forward power and refined play.
What to watch:
– A forward-led, physically intense contest designed to contest the breakdown and apply sustained pressure.
– Fiji’s ability to integrate uncapped talents into a cohesive unit, maintaining discipline under pressure.
– The team’s emphasis on defense, discipline, and smart game management as they start their campaign on home soil.
Context and outlook:
Building on the team’s recent emphasis on defence and discipline, Fiji aims to translate youth and leadership into a cohesive performance against Tonga. The match offers a platform to display a balanced approach that mixes physicality with game awareness, setting a positive tone for the rest of the Cup.
Summary:
Fiji’s opening PNC match against Tonga is shaping up as a telling test of their preparation, depth, and ability to perform under high expectations on home turf. With a captain-led call to stay disciplined and an influx of capable newcomers, the Flying Fijians hope to start the campaign with energy, grit, and conviction. Positive momentum ahead of a challenging Pacific Nations Cup is within reach for Fiji.
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