Tonga rugby coach Toutai Kefu hopes his Ikale Tahi will bring back the physical brand of rugby to counter Fiji’s high-tempo game at Churchill Park, Lautoka today.

“The message we have been telling the players this week is to play with some passion, bring back the Tongan physical game, up the tempo and play for our families and for our country,” Kefu said.

Tonga’s Tane Tukulua (left) takes a breather along with his team-mates after their Captain’s Run at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on June 22, 2018. Photo: Peni Komaisavai

He said they would be expecting the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians to play their usual high-tempo unstructured game.

“They will want to keep the flow going but we’re to control the tempo of the game,”he said.

Kefu said this was an important game in terms of gauging the players and getting the young guns into the mix.

He said they would be relying on the support of the Tongan community to back them up.

However, the former Wallabies No.8 was optimistic of their chances, saying that they have played in Fiji before and had good support from their fans here.

“There are Tongans everywhere, even when you go to some of the most remote places in the world, you will find Tongans. We have played here before with very little success but with very good support, so hopefully those supporters can return and support us.”

The clash kicks-off at 3pm.

 Edited by Osea Bola

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