Two potential debutants named as Fiji chase another PNC title

TOKYO: Interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named the Flying Fijians side to play in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Final, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula shifting to fullback and two potential debutants selected on the bench.

Fiji took out the Pacific Nations Cup title when the finals were last held in Japan two years ago, before successfully defending that crown at the 2025 edition in Utah. The Flying Fijians played the Brave Blossoms in both deciders, and will do so again this weekend in Tokyo.

Tevita Ikanivere captained Fiji to those two titles, and the hooker will look to make it three-from-three after being named to lead the side. Ikanivere will pack down in the front row alongside Peni Ravai and Mesake Doge.

Mesake Vocevoce and Temo Mayanavanua have been named in the second-row, with Kitione Salawa retained at blindside. Salawa scored the opening try just 21 seconds into the semi-final win over Canda, and will be joined in the backrow by Motikai Murray and Elia Canakaivata.

In the backs, Franki Lomani will be partnered in the halves by Caleb Muntz, while Armstrong-Ravula shifts to fullback. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Virimi Vakatawa are the centres, with Manasa Mataele and Joji Nasova holding onto their wing spots.

Vilikesa Nairau and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are in line to make their Flying Fijians debuts after being named on the bench. Sam Wye comes into the replacements, in place of HSCB SVNS Series star Terio Tamani.

“We know that Japan is going to be very strong on their home game especially after they recently had two test matches against Australia and a warm-up match against Canada before the start of the PNC,” Seruvakula said.

“They are a well-coached side. We are not only looking at them, but we will also be focused on our strengths heading into Saturday.”

Fiji side to take on Japan in PNC 2026 Final

1. Peni Ravai

2. Tevita Ikanivere (c)

3. Mesake Doge

4. Mesake Vocevoce

5. Temo Mayanavanua

6. Kitione Salawa

7. Motikiai Murray

8. Elia Canakaivata

9. Frank Lomani

10. Caleb Muntz

11. Manasa Mataele

12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre

13. Virimi Vakatawa

14. Joji Nasova

15. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

Replacements

16. Kavaia Tagivetaua

17. Vilikesa Nairau

18. Samuela Tawake

19. Isoa Tuwai

20. Penaia Cakobau

21. Sam Wye

22. Isikeli Rabitu

23. Isaac Ratuimatavuki-Kneepkens