The line-up for the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 Finals Series will be solidified this weekend as the pool stage wraps up with two exciting matches. Fiji is heading to Nuku’alofa to face Tonga today, needing just one match point to secure a spot in the semi-finals as the winners of Pool A.
This meeting will mark 100 years and 12 days since these teams first clashed in a test match. Tonga won that inaugural match, held in the same stadium as today’s encounter, with a score of 9-6. However, Fiji has since dominated their rivalry, winning 64 out of the 94 matches played, while Tonga has secured 27 victories, with three matches ending in a draw. The last encounter between the two teams saw Fiji triumph with a score of 36-20 in Lautoka 14 months ago.
In terms of rankings, Tonga enters the match positioned 16th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, six spots behind Fiji. If Tonga wins by more than 15 points, they could rise to 14th if Japan loses; otherwise, they will gain one position. Conversely, Fiji cannot improve their 10th place ranking regardless of the outcome, but they risk dropping below Wales and out of the top 10 if they lose by more than 15 points.
Tonga’s starting lineup includes Jethro Felemi, Solomone Aniseko, Ben Tameifuna (captain), and others, with replacements such as Penisoni Fineanganofo and Salesi Tuifua. Fiji’s team features Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Samu Tawake, and various substitutes including Mesulame Dolokoto and Haereiti Hetet.