Tonga v Fiji match in Suva in 2018. (file image) Photo: Facebook/Fiji Rugby
Friday's Pacific Nations Cup battle between the 'Ikale Tahi of Tonga and the Flying Fijians will be the main event in the 100th year of celebrating Test rugby between the two close neighbours.
Traditional rivals on the field, Fiji and Tonga first played Test rugby against each other in 1924.
This weekend's Test will be the 95th between the two countries in 100 years.
The Flying Fijians flew into Fua'amotu at noon on Wednesday, while the Tongans returned from Apia at the weekend.
As the battle for top spots in the Pacific pool is being prepared by the two respective teams, both the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) and the Fijian community in the Tongan capital are optimistic, agreeing that the rugby clash will be a thriller.
TRU chief executive Aisea 'Aholelei said the Pacific Nations Cup rugby battle is a key event they are all looking forward to, especially as the centennial celebration continues.
"Preparation has been good. We have obviously trying to make sure that all the other stuff for the game is on point and ready to go on Friday," he said.
"Obviously, it is big occasion for Tonga. It is 100 years of celebrations for the game with Fiji and also the Fijians have not been here almost seven years.
"Since that time, Fiji have really improved a lot and have become a tier one nation. To have a tier one nation here in itself is massive.
"The two nations are historically close through culture and I am sure that everybody will turn up for this game, because of how the nations are so closely tied up, and also the great occasion of having the Flying Fijians here in Tonga."
'Ikale Tahi captain Ben Tameifuna (back) and Tupou Ma'afu Afu work on a lineout move. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Fijian supporters to back their team
Fijian community president in Tonga, Jokini Sivo, said they are ready to welcome the team.
The community members are set to traditionally welcome the team with a 'sevusevu' - the Fijian presentation of kava to welcome the team.
Sivo said close to 400 Fijians in Nuku'alofa are excited about the opportunity to watch their national team.
"The atmosphere within the Fijian community here in Tonga is a mix of motions, excitement and anticipation as the big games approaches on Friday," the Toloa College teacher said.
"Rugby holds a special place in our hearts, especially the Pacific Islanders, and major games have a significant effect for us.
"Given the strong cultural and historic ties between Fiji and Tonga, the Fijian community is gathering support for the team."
He said both teams have prepared for the clash and he believes it will be a tough battle.
Sivo, who is married to local teacher Kalo, who is from the island of Ha'apai, is torn between his home team and his wife's national team.
"I'd expect a very close game," he said.
"To predict a winner, it will be very tough, as both sides will be preparing to come out on top.
"The game is expected to be highly competitive and the outcome can go either way.
"The Fijian team is known for their flair and agility and that could give them the edge but for Tonga, playing at home, they will be giving their best."
The Flying Fijians training in Nadi before they flew to Tonga to meet the 'Ikale Tahi. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Tonga rebuilding - 'Aholelei
'Aholelei said the Flying Fijians will be clear favourites.
The Fijians defeated Manu Samoa 42-16 in Suva three weeks ago in the first game and last week Manu Samoa hammered Tonga 43-17 in Apia.
Tonga needs a win to remain in contention for a top spot in the Pacific pool.
The two top teams after this weekend's clash will advance to the semi-finals in Tokyo next weekend.
'Aholelei said the 'Ikale Tahi are rebuilding, with new players and a new coaching team.
"We can only take things by what's, what's happened in the past, and past results," he said.
"Obviously on our side of things the 'Ikale Tahi are a new team, with new staff and players.
"Things have been rough and haven't gone their way. Obviously, they're trying to close the gaps and make sure that fundamentals, both on and off the field, are covered before we expect any big results.
"The Flying Fijians are now a Tier One nation and they can take any top team on.
"For the 'Ikale Tahi it's more like hoping for the best with what they have at hand, and just taking everything that they have that can help them and making sure that they utilize that on the game day."
Crown Prince Tupouto'a, next in line to the throne in the Kingdom of Tonga, will be at the big rugby clash.
The two teams will kick-off their battle at 3pm Tonga time, in front of what is expected to be a vocal and packed Te'ufaiva crowd.
Meanwhile, Japan and the United States of America will battle in the Asia Pool decider to determine who tops the pool.
Both teams have qualified for the semi-finals.
Fijians have produced specially made tee shirts to wear in supporting the Flying Fijians in Tonga. Photo: Fiji Rugby
