1
The Pacific Nations Cup kicks off this weekend with ‘Ikale Tahi facing the Flying Fijians in Lautoka.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Comments on RugbyPass
“Cortez Ratima is light years ahead of anyone on current form, while TJ Perenara has also skyrocketed into contention following the unfortunate injury to the talented Cam Roigard.” At last some sanity. Hitherto so many pundits have been wittering on about Finlay Christie to the point one wondered if they were observing a FC in a parallel universe where the FC they saw wasnt just the mediocre Shayne Philpott project of Fosters hapless AB reign in the real world. Ratima, Perenara and Fakatava are the ONLY logical 9s for Razor now Roigard is crocked.
2 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
2 Go to commentsNow if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
2 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
5 Go to comments