Ikale Tahi player Alipate Fatafehi is excited about returning to play the Vodafone Flying Fijians in tomorrow 2015 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup opener.

The Fiji-born Tongan rep said it was emotional playing against his countrymen.

“It’s always emotional to be back home, getting mixed emotions especially since I’ll be wearing a different jersey today,” he said.

“This is going to be my third time here playing against my countrymen. It’s always an honour representing Tonga so looking forward to it.”

The 33-year-old anticipates a tough game with players looking to grab a spot in the World Cup squad.

“I haven’t seen their game against the Maori All Blacks. But I’ve got some friends in the Fiji team and I know that everyone will be trying to get a spot in the World Cup. So, I’m sure everyone will put their 110 per cent out there. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

The former Tongan 7s rep said team spirit in the camp had been high and they were all looking forward to today’s test.

“It’s been awesome and really good, especially since we have all our senior players back. A few are injured so hard luck for them. But, we’ve got some young boys as well. So, we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Looking towards the weekend match, Fatafehi hoped to see both Fijian and Tongan supporters alike out in numbers at the ANZ Stadium.

“Hopefully, everyone will turn up in red. My family is back at home in Sigatoka. They’ll be here and I’ve got a few Tongans out here in Suva. So, no matter whichever team you support, come down and support and at the end of the day, I hope that we’ll all enjoy ourselves.”

Fatafehi, who was born in Sigatoka with links to the village of Nawamagi family in Nadroga, currently plays for French Top 14 club Lyon alongside Fijians Wame Lewaravu, Ilikena Bolakoro and Avenisi Vasuinubu.

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj