“Playing Tonga on their home turf with the backing of their vocal crowd is something we would be expecting. We see this match as a build-up,” Ikanivere said before leaving on Tuesday.
FIJI Water Flying Fijian captain Tevita Ikanivere is wary of hosts Tonga in their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup thriller at Nukua’lofa tomorrow.
Ikanivere and his band of Flying Fijians have flown out to the Friendly Islands; yesterday he was again named to lead the 23-men squad in the revamped competition.
“Playing Tonga on their home turf with the backing of their vocal crowd is something we would be expecting. We see this match as a build-up,” Ikanivere said before leaving on Tuesday.
“We have been working on our mistakes after our first match against Samoa last month,” he said.
Fiji had walked over Samoa 42-16 in their first PNC match at the HFC Bank stadium while Samoa did the same to Tonga 42-17 last weekend in Apia, Samoa.
“We expect the same physical match as we had against Samoa. It’s just the consistency of trying to get the physicality and hard work early that will pull us through. We don’t have to get penalties, keep from marching down the field.”
Traditional rivals on the field, Fiji and Tonga first played Test rugby against each other in 1924.
This weekend’s Test will be the 95th between the two countries in 100 years.
Meanwhile Adrea Cocagi returns as inside centre for the Flying Fijians while latest Fijian Drua recruit Vuate Karawalevu pairs up with Epeli Momo on the wings, while Isaiah Ravula starts at fullback.
Versatile Albert Tuisue comes in at Number 8 pushing workhorse Kitione Salawa to the bench. Tuisue alongside Ratu Meli Derenalagi and Elia Canakaivata form the back row.
Eroni Mawi, Ikanivere, and Samuela Tawake run in for the front row, Mesake Vocevoce and Temo Mayanavanua will anchor the second row.
Retaining their positions are Frank Lomani for the scrum-half duties, pairing with fly-half Caleb Muntz, while Iosefo Masi runs on as outside centre.
The match kicks off at 3pm.
Flying Fijians:
1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. <esake Vocevoce, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Albert Tuisua, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Epeli Momo, 12. Adrea Cocagi, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Vuate Karawalevu, 15. Isaiah Ravula;
Reserves:
16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Haeteiti Hater, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, 20. Kitione Salawa, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Inia Tabuavou and 23. Ilaisa Droasese.
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