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Fiji change 5 for Tonga clash in Pacific Nations Cup
By Josh Raisey
Fiji have made five changes to their starting XV for their Pacific Nations Cup meeting with Tonga on Friday from the team that triumphed over Samoa 42-16 two weeks ago.
Mick Byrne's side only need a win from the contest at the Teufaiva Stadium in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa to top Pool A in the PNC after Samoa's 43-17 win over Tonga last week.
Saracens loosehead prop Eroni Mawi has returned to the starting XV for the contest as one of three changes in the pack. Lock Mesake Vocevoce and No.8 Albert Tuisue have also been promoted to the starting XV after starting on the bench against Samoa.
The duo of loosehead Haereiti Hetet and back row Kitione Salawa have dropped to the bench this week after starting against Samoa.
Gloucester No.8 Tuisue's starting berth means Elia Canakaivata will shift to the flank after previously starting at the back of the scrum.
The two changes in the back line see Adrea Cocagi start at inside centre in place of Inia Tabuavou, who drops to the bench. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will also replace the absent Selestino Ravutaumada at fullback, with Vuate Karawalevu shifting to the wing for this encounter.
Fiji XV
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Tevita Ikanivere
3 Samu Tawake
4 Mesake Vocevoce
5 Temo Mayanavanua
6 Meli Derenalagi
7 Elia Canakaivata
8 Albert Tuisue
9 Frank Lomani
10 Caleb Muntz
11 Epeli Momo
12 Adrea Cocagi
13 Iosefo Masi
14 Vuate Karawalevu
15 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Replacements
16 Mesulame Dolokoto
17 Haereiti Hetet
18 Peni Ravai
19 Ratu Rotuisolia
20 Kitione Salawa
21 Peni Matawalu
22 Inia Tabuavou
23 Ilaisa Droasese
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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