Packing down...the Flying Fijians forwards. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Te'ufaiva Park is ready to host the Flying Fijians and 'Ikale Tahi as both sides have named their match-day 23, with changes made to their starting XVs for Friday's Pacific Nations Cup battle.
Fiji flew into Nuku'alofa early on Wednesday morning and went for a test run at the matchday pitch straight after lunch, before announcing their team.
Tonga trained out at the home of the Vaini Doves in the village of Vaini, situated between the city of Nuku'alofa and the Fua'amotu International airport.
Flying Fijians assistant coach Aaron Mauger revealed there were injuries that has forced positional changes plus the recruitment of new hands during the week.
Star winger Selesitino Ravutaumada is in Australia undergoing surgery.
Young Naitasiri hooker Kavaia Ragivetaua is also out, with North Harbour prop Penaia Cakobau called up, alongside Fijian sevens rep Ponipate Loganimasi as injury covers.
Fijian Drua flyhalf Isaiah Washington-Ravula has been moved to fullback, former Waratahs rep Vuate Karawalevu moves to wing and Mesake Vocevoce jumps in at lock forward - the three being major changes from the team that defeated Manu Samoa 42-16 in Suva two weeks ago.
Mauger said they have had a good review of their last game as they look forward to Tonga.
"There were lots of things we thought we did well against Samoa in the first PNC game, and there were lots of little things we think we could tidy up, so last week gave us a good opportunity to work on our game and prepare for this game," the former Moana Pasifika mentor said.
"The squad is fit."
Mauger said Tonga will not be easy at home, as past games have proven.
"It's been a long history, lots of close fought battles, and you know, the guys who have come to Tonga and played here have acknowledged how tough it is to come and play Tonga in Tonga," he said.
"We've acknowledged all those chapters. But really for us we've focused on our own game as well, like really growing our game and where we want to take Fiji and rugby, trying to take to the next level, and sort of building over the next few years."
He said they are heartened by the support of local Fijians in Nuku'alofa, who have been anticipating the team's arrival.
The Flying Fijians last played in Tonga in 2017, during the PNC that year.
The 'Ikale Tahi forwards soaring into the skies in this lineout move as they prepare for Fiji. Photo: TRU Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Tonga builds foundation
Tonga, on the other hand, returned home from Apia on Saturday, following their 43-17 loss to the Samoans.
While head coach Tevita Tuifu'a and his assistant Nili Latu have not recorded a win in their first three Test matches in charge so far this year, the Tonga Rugby Union said the development phase is focused on the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Chief executive officer Aisea 'Aholelei said on Wednesday the two coaches and the new squad are building their foundation and they will go out and give their best against Fiji.
"It's very important if you're building a house to make sure that the foundations are firm first and foremost.
"Different teams, different organisations, have different types of foundations, and that's what we're trying to do here for the Tonga Rugby Union and the 'Ikale Tahi.
"At the same time, what kind of foundation that suits Tongan rugby. And a lot has to do with culture, as I was saying before, that we are a Tongan team, and we know what is best for our team, the Tongan way.
He said it was important to look forward to the next Rugby World Cup.
"We are trying to close those gaps in performance, but at the same time, you can't go past trying to get the foundations right.
"This is probably the most important time for us and the hardest part of working and putting all our efforts into it and hopefully things will flourish once 2027 comes around."
'Ikale Tahi head coach Tu'ifua told The Fiji Times in Nuku'alofa they are looking for a win this Friday at home.
He said the game is important for them to win.
"Competition wise it is so important to win this game moving forward for the knockout next week," he told the newspaper.
"Secondly, it is the anniversary between Fiji and Tonga so it can be a history-making for our group, and it is vitally important that we perform well."
Countering Fiji's speed and physicality is something they have been working on.
"We are looking at our defence and execution as well as our discipline," he said.
"Fiji will play their Fijian style of rugby with a bit of physicality and conditioning wise as well. The biggest threats from the Fijians have always been their speed and their offloads.
"Possession is so important, so we can't give away any possessions or penalties."
Big Ben Tameifuna has been retained as captain with the coaches also opting for changes.
Tough number eight Lotu Inisi and brother, winger Fine are also retained, after impressive outings last week, where Lotu scored a double.
The match kicks off at 3pm.
Fijian fan Jonetani Baisagale, who lives in Nuku'alofa, with Flying Fijian number eight Albert Tuisue in Kolomotu'a, Tonga on Thursday after the team's captain run. Photo: Jonetani Baisagale Photo: Jonetani Baisagale
If Tonga wins by 27 points that will throw the Pacific pool open, with the top two teams then decided by points average.
But a Flying Fijian will see them and Manu Samoa advancing into the semi-finals in Tokyo next week, with Tonga meeting Canada in the play-off for fifth and sixth.
The teams:
'Ikale Tahi lineup: 1 Jethro Felemi, 2 Solomone Aniseko, Ben Tameifuna (c), 4 Harison Mataele, 5 Onehunga Kaufusi, 6 Tevita Ahokovi, 7 Tupou Afungia, 8 Lotu Inisi, 9 Aisea Halo, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Samuel Tuitupou, 12 Fetuli Paea (v/c), 13 Fine Inisi, 14 Esau Filimoehala, 15 Nikolai Foliaki (v/c); Reserves - 16 Penisoni Fineanganofo, 17 Salesi Tuifua, 18 Brandon Televave, 19 Paea Fonoifua, 20 Sosefo Sakalaia, 21 Siaosi Nai, 22 Tyler Pulini, 23 Latu Akauola
Flying Fijians lineup: 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3 Samuela Tawake, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 6 Ratu Mele Derenalagi, 7 Elia Canakaivata, 8 Albert Tuisue, 9 Frank Lomani, 10 Caleb Muntz, 11 Epeli Momo, 12 Adrea Cocagi, 13 Iosefo Masi, 14 Vuate Karawalevu, 15 Isaiah Washington-Ravula; Reserves - 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Ratu Leone Rotuisola, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Inia Tabuavou, 23 Ilaisa Droasese
