Pacific

Battle of the in-form Pacific sides in rugby clash

08:16 am on 28 July 2023

Action from the Flying Fijians win over Tonga at the weekend Photo: Fiji Rugby Union

The winner of Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup clash between Fiji and Samoa in Apia will be in the driving seat to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, Tonga are aiming to get points on the board when they face Japan in Osaka this weekend.

The Flying Fijians will be looking for a second win in the series after they defeated Tonga 36-20 in Lautoka, Fiji last Saturday.

On the same day, Manu Samoa fought off Japan in their first game in Sapporo, winning 24-22.

Heading into the second round of matches, Fiji are ahead on the table from Samoa by the bonus point gained from scoring five tries in their win over Tonga.

Both Fiji and Samoa have a game to play after this weekend - Fiji against Japan and Samoa to face Tonga.

Four new starts for Fiji

The Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has named four Fijian Drua players as debutants in his lineup, with 12 changes made to the team that beat Tonga.

Drua captain Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Iosefo Masi and Ilaisa Droasese get their first Test in the national colours.

Their Drua team-mate Joseva Tamani is likely to come off the bench for his debut.

Experienced centre Semi Radradra starts after coming off the bench last week and gets to lead the Fijians again, replacing Waisea Nacagilevu.

Raiwalui said he has named a strong team and everyone had worked hard during the past four weeks of training.

"Everyone will get a chance to have a run," Raiwalui told media on Thursday as he announced the line-up to face Samoa.

"Everyone who is here is here on merit. So we trust everyone in the squad."

Captain Radradra said it is an honour to lead the team again and he was looking forward to the game.

"Playing another Pacific Island team is always tough and it is not going to be easy," he said.

"We have really prepared well and we look forward to the game this weekend."

The Fijians lineup: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevuta Ikanivere, 3. Luke Tagi, 4. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Meli Derenalagi, 7. Vilive Miramira, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 12. Semi Radradra (captain), 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Selesetino Ravutaumada, 15. Ilaisa Droasese; Reserves - 16. Zurieli Togiatama, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Kitione Kamikamica, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Vilimoni Botitu, 23. Josua Tuisova.

Samoa ring the changes

Manu Samoa have named former All Black Steven Luatua to face Fiji, gaining his first Test for his home country.

Luatua has been named at flanker, pairing with Jack Lam.

Photo: Samoa Rugby Union

Former Wallaby flyhalf Christian Leali'ifano gets his second start for Samoa.

Manu Samoa showed a lot of determination on defence against a fired-up Japan at the weekend.

That win also saw them returning to the top 10 rankings in world rugby and become the highest ranked of the three Pacific teams.

Coach Seilala Mapusua said the win over Japan was a good test for his players.

Samoa are in the same pool as Japan at the Rugby World Cup and the two teams will meet in their opening pool game.

"The focus is on the World Cup and we will give everyone in the squad a chance to play [in the Pacific Nations Cup]," he said.

"Fiji is going to be different from Japan. They played well against Tonga and we will have to focus on that this coming weekend.

"The Flying Fijians are very impressive and they are very strong. They have star players who are playing in Europe and they will be joined by the Fijian Drua players. So yes, we are expecting a tough encounter."

Manu Samoa lineup: 1. Jordan Lay, 2. Ray Niuia, 3. Paul Alo-Emile, 4. Chris Vui, 5. Taleni Seu, 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Jack Ram, 8. Fritz Lee (captain), 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Christian Leali'ifano, 11. Tumua Manu, 12. Duncan Paia'aua, 13. Stacey Ili, 14. Nigel Ah Wong, 15. Danny Toala; Reserves - 16. Sama Malolo, 17. Titi Lamositele, 18. Charlie Faumuina, 19. Brian Alainu'u'ese, 20. Genesis Mamea-Lemalu, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Alai D'Angelo Leuila, 23. Ed Fidow.

Tonga out to reduce mistakes

'Ikale Tahi head coach Toutai Kefu said his team will have to work on cutting out the mistakes that cost them the game against Fiji when they meet Japan in Tokyo.

Kefu said that the team will need to lift its game as they continue building towards the World Cup.

"For us now is to continue building combinations, doing some match fitness and making sure we have total clarity around how we want to play," Kefu said.

"We are going to try to not to make as many mistakes. There were far too many mistakes and poor choices against the Fijians."

Kefu has named former Wallaby Lopeti Timani at No.8, moved former All Black Vaea Fifita to openside flanker, and brought in Crusaders' Sione Havili to the blindside flanker position, pushing Moana Pasifika captain Solomone Funaki to the bench.

William Havili gets a start at flyhalf while Pita Ahki replaces another former All Black Malakai Fekitoa at inside centre.

Tonga's starting lineup - 1. Sieffried Fisi'hoi, 2. Samuela Moli, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Halaleva Fifita, 5. Sitiveni Mafi, 6. Vaea Fifita, 7. Sione Havili Talitui, 8, Lopeti Tamani, 9. Sonatane Takulua (captain), 10. William Havili, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 14. Solomone Kata, 15. Charles Piutau; Reserves - 16. Paula Ngauamo, 17. Feao Fotuaika, 18. David Lolohea, 19. Tangiloa Halaifonua, 20. Solomone Funaki, 21. Manua Paea, 22. Otumaka Mausia, 23, George Moala.