Tonga captain Sonatane Takalua on the attack against Fiji back in 2018 in Suva. Photo: Facebook/Fiji Rugby
Fijian Drua duo Caleb Muntz and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta are raring to go for their 2023 Pacific Nations Cup opener against a formidable Tongan outfit in front of their home crowd in Lautoka today.
Muntz and Cirikidaveta, who have been part of the Drua's Super Rugby Pacific campaigns for the past two seasons, are two of the four debutants for the Flying Fijians who are set to take the field against Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi.
Muntz, 22, has been named ahead of the more experienced Ben Volavola at flyhalf while Cirikidaveta, 25, is expected to come of the off the bench to cover as a lock.
Speaking to RNZ Pacific in Nadi after the captain's run, Muntz said he was proud to wear the Fijian jersey.
"I am pretty proud. Coming over after high school, going through the pathway, that was the big goal as soon as I first landed here," he said.
"It has been four years now and I finally get the opportunity to do it in Fiji.
Caleb Muntz, holding ball, will debut for the Flying Fijians in the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup opener against Tonga on Saturday, 22 July 2023. Photo: Facebook / Fiji Rugby
"I think playing for the Drua in the last two years has really given me what Fiji Rugby is all about, especially the home crowd. So, it is awesome to get out there [Saturday]."
He said the Flying Fijians are expecting Tonga to be physical earlier on in the game but that they had a game plan to counter that.
"I think the key is to try and put the fire out early and back our fitness and things we have done over the last few weeks to get us playing free flowing rugby towards the end of the game," he said.
His fellow Drua mate Cirikidaveta, who was part of the New Zealand Māori Development team in 2016 and a part of the 2020 Tasman Mako NPC winning side, acknowledged his family for their support and helping him in his career.
"I cannot wait. It means a lot and a dream come true," he said.
He said preparations had been tough.
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta Photo: Facebook / Fiji Rugby
No difference
Tongan captain Sonatane Takulua believes the match between the island neighbours will not be any different from past encounters.
"I think it is going to be [played] upfront as we island teams always do when we play each other," Takulua said.
"Fiji has got some good backs too and I think Fiji will like to throw the ball around. Same as us and it will be a physical match."
Tongan rugby commentator Melielau Manu agrees with Takulua.
Manu said the result could go down to which team makes the least mistakes.
"As we all know the game between Fiji and Tonga will always be a tough game," he said.
"On the game day whoever team makes the least mistake will be the team that will have more opportunity.
"But always you expect upfront battles…physical whenever Fiji and Tonga meet."
Charles Piutau, second left, and the Tonga 15s players at the Nadi International Airport in Fiji. 20 July 2023. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Iliesa Tora
A capacity crowd of 15,000 is expected to pack Churchill Park for Fiji's only home game in the series.
Fiji Rugby Union announced on Thursday that grandstand tickets, which sold for $FJ50 each, were sold out.
While the Nadi Weather Office said there was a low pressure around the Fiji waters, the sun has been scorching in the Western Division of the main island of Viti Levu and expected to play a factor in how the two teams perform.
Lautoka has been a winning playground for the Fijian Drua in their Super Rugby campaign this season.
They defeated the champion Crusaders there in a round robin game backed by their raucous and loyal supporters, and all bets are on the Flying Fijians to emulate the Drua's success.
But it will be guaranteed not to be smooth sailing for the hosts with Tonga also determined to claim the Fijians' scalp.
The match will kick-off at 3pm Fiji time.
Tonga 15s rugby team training in Nadi. 21 July 2023. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Iliesa Tora
