Four Fiji Drua players will make their Fiji debuts as the FIJI Water Flying Fijians prepare to face Ikale Tahi Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva.
Etonia Waqa and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre are named in the starting XV, with Motikiai Murray and Taniela Rakuro set to come off the bench. Coach Mick Byrne described the selections as a strong opportunity to blend experienced performers with promising young talent, noting that the group is being built with an eye toward 2027 while not taking their eye off Saturday’s contest.
The forward pack features Eroni Mawi at loosehead prop, with Tevita Ikanivere captaining the side from hooker and Mesake Doge at tighthead. Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua will form the lock pairing, while Waqa and Elia Canakaivata will line up as the two flankers and Viliame Mata will slot in at number eight. In the back row, Fiji will look to control the game from the outset with that blend of experience and youth.
Behind the scrum, Philip Baselala starts at scrum-half with Caleb Muntz taking the fly-half duties. Ponipate Loganimasi and Kalaveti Ravouvou occupy the wings, and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula has the number 15 jersey at fullback. Seta Tamanivalu and Samusamuvodre pair up in the centers to provide a balanced strike threat through midfield.
The bench will be led by Zuriel Togiatama, with Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce and Sam Wye ready to provide impact off the bench.
Tonga arrives off a victory over Samoa in the tournament’s opening round and will bring physicality and speed at the ruck, posing a stern test for Fiji at home. Byrne acknowledged Tonga’s physical challenge and their capacity to punish turnovers, while Fiji will be determined to secure their first win of the competition in front of their vocal supporters at the HFC Bank Stadium.
The match is set to kick off at 3:30pm local time, with Fiji aiming to set a positive tone for the campaign. Also on Saturday, Japan will host Canada at Yurtec Stadium in Sendai in Pool B. Fiji’s next assignment after Tonga comes against Samoa, scheduled for September 6 in New Zealand.
Context and outlook: Fiji enter the Pacific Nations Cup as defending champions after a standout 2024 campaign, and coach Byrne’s approach emphasizes depth and the integration of new talent into a cohesive unit. The inclusion of four Drua players among the debuts signals a deliberate push to broaden the player pool as Fiji eyes ongoing momentum toward future World Cup cycles.
What to watch:
– The debutants, particularly Waqa and Samusamuvodre, will be looking to make immediate impacts on the wings and in midfield.
– Leadership from Ikanivere will be crucial to directing the forward pack and maintaining discipline.
– The balance between a power-driven pack and a structured, creative backline could determine how Fiji handles Tonga’s intensity.
– The bench options offer flexibility to respond to the game’s flow and potential injuries or penalties.
Commentary: Byrne’s depth-focused selection aligns with Fiji’s broader strategy to sustain performance across a packed Pacific Nations Cup schedule and into the 2027 cycle. With fresh talent earning opportunities and a supportive home crowd, Fiji have a real chance to start the tournament with energy, grit and confidence. The coming weeks will test how effectively Fiji can merge new players into a cohesive system while preserving the high standards that have defined their recent play. Positive momentum from this match could bearings Fiji toward continued success this season.
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