1
Tonga and Fiji name star-studded teams for Pacific Battle
By Ned Lester
The Pacific Nations Cup kicks off this weekend with 'Ikale Tahi facing the Flying Fijians in Lautoka.
The Tongan side made a strong start to their World Cup year with a 27-21 victory over an Australia A team packed with former and fringe Wallaby talent just a week ago.
Head coach Toutai Kefu has named a number of changes from that match, opting to rest Israel Folau and Pita Ahki who were both influential in the match against Australia A. The changes make way for Fine Inisi on the right wing and Afusipa Taumoepeau in the midfield.
William Havili has also been replaced at first-five with Otumaka Mausia taking the reigns. An exciting prospect in Patrick Pellegrini has been named to debut off the bench.
The changes offer coach Kefu a look at the depth of his squad on the international stage, helping inform his selections for the World Cup squad.
Fiji is also looking to blood some new talent, with Fijian Drua trio Caleb Muntz, Selestino Ravutaumada and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta all named to debut along with France-based utility forward Lekima Tagitagivalu, who turned down the French Sevens team to pursue his Flying Fijians dream.
“I think Caleb earns that spot. He is a very creative fly-half and has played well in the Super Rugby Pacific so it’s going to be a big day for him and others,” said coach Simon Raiwalui.
"Really exciting to have new players coming into the team and obviously a great honour to have the debutants coming to play for Fiji for the first time."
The selection leaves Ben Volavola on the bench for impact, where he'll be joined by Semi Radradra.
Josua Tuisova will line up in the midfield opposite former All Black Malakai Fekitoa for one of many mouthwatering matchups.
Fiji's team:
1. Peni Ravai, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Levani Botia, 8. Albert Tuisue, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Selesitino Ravutaumada, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15. Sireli Maqala
Reserves - 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Luke Tagi, 19. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20. Vilimate Mata, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Semi Radradra
Tonga's team:
1. Siegfrtied Fisi'ihoi, 2. Siua Maile, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Halaleva Fifita, 5. Samiuela Lousi, 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7. Solomone Funaki, 8. Vaea Fifita, 9. Sonatane Takulua (captain), 10. Otumaka Mausia, 11. Solomone Kata, 12. Malakai Fekitoa, 13. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 14. Fine Inisi, 15. Salesi Piutau
Reserves - 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Feao Fotuaika, 18. Tau Koloamatangi, 19. Sitiveni Mafi, 20. Sione Vailanu, 21. Manu Paea, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Kyren Taumoefolau
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Which country do you think was instrumental in developing rugby in Argentina which then spun off into the rest of Latin South America? South Africa was touring Argentine in the 50's with their Junior Bok side on three months development tours. And they didn't do it to cultivare players for the Boks. Regarding Africa you are not taking into account that South Africa itself is an emerging nation. The rugby union has prioritised the development of rugby in South African rural communities with outstanding success.
It has taken 15 years to build the participation of rugby both in playing and watching. For South Africa on its own to build a viable international rugby competition in africa will take generations - not decades. New Zealanders seem to resent the fact that SA has doubled the income of the URC since their inclusion. If New Zealand Rugby hadn't insisted on have a disproportionate slice of the pie in Super Rugby, SA might not have fled the coop.
Go to commentsDon't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to comments