Preview | PNC – Fiji vs Tonga – 14/06/14

Fiji will be eager to get their Pacific Nations Cup campaign off to a strong start when they clash with Tonga at Churchill Park, Lautoka on Saturday.

On the back of an impressive 25-14 win against Italy last week, momentum couldn’t be stronger for a team blessed with powerful backline talent.

The deadly Nemani Nadolo, Timoci Nagusa, Metuisela Talebula, Napolioni Nalaga and Asaeli Tikoirotuma were all on show against the Azzurri and this week they welcome Nikola Matawatu back into their starting line-up after a strong campaign for Glasgow Warriors. Nagusa meanwhile has shifted to the full-back role.

That victory over Italy was an ideal start to John McKee’s coaching tenure but he has chosen to mix things up for their competition opener, with captain Akapusi Qera moving to eight with Malakai Ravulo coming off the bench to start at openside against a side who drew with Samoa last week.

“Changes were made because we have other good players in the squad who were not given a run against Italy. Tonga is quite different from the Italy team and we will make some changes to our attack,” coach McKee told the IRB before praising the Tongans showing.

McKee continued regarding the task facing his forwards: “Our forwards have worked on the set piece during training in anticipation against a tough and mobile Tongan pack.”

Tonga meanwhile will be keen to exact revenge over the Fijians after their 34-21 loss in Tokyo in 2013’s Pacific Nations Cup and have themselves changed things up for Saturday’s game. Coach Mana Otai brings in a new half-back duo in the form of Sonatane Takulua and Fangatapu ‘Apikotoa, who enjoy a promotion off the bench, while lock Daniel Faleafa and Exeter finisher Fetu’u Vainikolo also earn a start for what promises to be a great game.

“Physicality is part of our game but at the same time we want to play organised rugby against the Fijians. We need to improve from last week. Continuity and taking the opportunities that come our way are two areas where we need to step up,” said boss Otai.

Captain Nili Latu added: “We’ve about 16 new players with a few experienced players who play in Europe so it is a good mix. Fiji need to qualify for the World Cup after the Pacific Nations Cup and has a good squad with their overseas-based players. But we’re ready.”

Last 10 Games played between the Fiji and Tonga
23-Jun-12	Fiji	29 – 17	Tonga
19-Aug-11	Fiji	20 – 32	Tonga
13-Aug-11	Fiji	27 – 12	Tonga
2-Jul-11	Fiji	21 – 45	Tonga
19-Jun-10	Fiji	41 – 38	Tonga
13-Jun-09	Fiji	36 – 22	Tonga
5-Jul-08	Tonga	27 – 16	Fiji
16-Jun-07	Fiji	15 – 21	Tonga
10-Jun-06	Tonga	24 – 23	Fiji
16-Jul-05	Tonga	19 – 24	Fiji
Games Played	85		Games Played	85
*Games Won	56		*Games Won	26
*Games Lost	26		*Games Lost	56
Games Drawn	3		Games Drawn	3
*Longest Winning Streak	9		*Longest Winning Streak	3
*Longest Losing Streak	3		*Longest Losing Streak	9
*Largest Points For	47		*Largest Points For	45
*Largest Points Against	45		*Largest Points Against	47
*Largest Winning Margin	35		*Largest Winning Margin	24
*Largest Losing Margin	-24		*Largest Losing Margin	-35
*Total Points For	1620		*Total Points For	1091
*Avg Points For	19.06		*Avg Points For	12.84
*Total Points Against	1091		*Total Points Against	1620
*Avg Points Against	12.84		*Avg Points Against	19.60
*Total Points Difference	529		*Total Points Difference	-529
*Avg Points Difference	6.22		*Avg Points Difference	-6.22
* = By Fiji			* = By Tonga