Flying Fijians

The Chiefs backline coach in this year’s Super Rugby knows what to expect when taking on the Tongans.

“It is really an important game. We really want to perform well in our last official test match before the world cup.”

“It is a Pacific Challenge against one of our old foes. It is really important because Eden Park is going to be home game for Tonga,” he said.

Matson adds selecting the first line up against the Ikale Tahi.

“There have a lot of selection debate, which is great. It shows the depth and the quality of players we have across all positions now.”

A current member of the Pacific Players’ Association, Seilala Mapusua told TVNZ1’s Breakfast this morning the unlevel playing field faced by Tier Two nations is more dire than World Rugby acknowledges.

“Until we see some real change and movement from the north, it’s going to carry on being this way,” said Mapusua who was speaking after Fijian born Sevu Reece impressed for the All Blacks in their win over Australia.

The team :

Campese Ma’afu

Eroni Mawi

Peni Ravai

Mesulame Dolokoto

Samuela Matavesi

Ratu Vere Vugakoto

Leeroy Atalifo

Manasa Saulo

Kalivati Tawake

Tevita Cavubati

Leone Nakarawa

Api Ratuniyarawa

Tevita Ratuva

Semi Kunatani

Viliame Mata

Mosese Voka

Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Captain)

Peceli Yato

Frank Lomani

Niko Matawalu

Henry Seniloli

Levani Botia

Jale Vatubua

Ben Volavola

Veriniki Goneva

Filipo Nakosi

After a win and a loss to the Māori All Blacks in July, Fiji were defeated in their opening game of the PNC by Japan, who went on to win the tournament.

Wins over Canada and Samoa gave Fiji second place, the first time they had failed to claim the title since 2014.

Even though Fiji relinquished the silverware, McKee said it was good build up for September's World Cup in Japan.

"It's been quite an intensive five weeks with the five matches, a large squad and all our trainings," he said.

Head Coach John McKee is confirmed to be naming his final squad on Friday.

McKee has given the players five days to rest before they will leave their families and loved ones behind for a month for national duties in Japan.

McKee who will leave for Australia tonight says he will be back on Thursday before they name the side on Friday.

Players who are sure starters for the World Cup include Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Frank Lomani, Semi Radradra, Sam Matavesi, Josua Tuisova, Ben Volavola, Leone Nakarawa and Campese Ma’afu.

Goneva missed the first four matches and has impressed Coach John McKee with fellow Nadi man Setareki Tuicuvu during training.

The duo will be in the starting fifteens game.

“We all know what a great player he is and a leader on and off the field,’ McKee said in his remarks about Goneva.

“Tuicuvu is a young player on the way up and has had some real match time.”

McKee adds that the Nadi duo are in top form and will be players to watch.

Ben Volavola also returns to start at fly-half after missing the match against Canada.

Head Coach Steve Jackson said they know that it will be a physical and rugged rugby experience.

 “Any Fiji and Samoa test is foremost going to be physical battle and big collisions, he said.

“I have told the boys to stick to a system and structure and those who will be on the ground will expect physical contacts.”

Jackson adds Fiji has beaten some very good teams and it would be a very exciting match to watch.

“This is an opportunity to get our confidence back after last weekend will be looking to step up our game and run the game as we expect.”

Coach John McKee says he will mix his line-up with some senior and experienced players.

“This week you’ll see probably see some players who have never played up until now to now to combine with some who have been playing in the past weeks.” 

The Fiji Times reports that the players are bracing for a fast and physical Pacific rugby rivalry encounter on Saturday in the World Rugby sanctioned tournament.

Fiji has fallen short of retaining the title after their loss to Japan in the first round and a win against Canada in the second round.

All teams now have one remaining game and even if Fiji defeats Samoa, they will still not be in contention for the title.

If Japan beat the USA they are set to win the title, for the first time since 2014.

Fiji will play Samoa in their next Pacific Nations Cup match at ANZ Stadium in Suva this Saturday.

The match against Japan will serve as a key Rugby World Cup warm up for Fiji who play Uruguay in their second pool game of the tournament in Japan at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium on September 25.