Fiji next on Tonga's list

The Flying Fijians need to be at their best in their Pacific Nations Cup opener against Tonga at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday.

The Tongans romped to a 30-16 win over Manu Samoa at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa last Saturday and are now ready to continue on that winning run against Fiji.

Speaking to Radio New Zealand, Tonga captain Ben Tameifuna said the win over Samoa was critical to their campaign.

“It was a tough match, as we expected, but I’m glad we were able to get the win,” the former Chiefs prop said. 

“The job is not done yet and we will re-focus on what’s next.”

Tonga’s campaign is led by head coach Tevita Tuifua and his assistant Nili Latu. They have been working on re-shaping the team since last year. 

“Thank the boys for sticking with the game plan,” Tuifua said. 

“We planned to work hard throughout and start well and the players did that. Now we can come back and work on what we need to do before we tackle Fiji.”

Impressive for Tonga was Moana Pasifika first-five eight Patrick Pellegrini who controlled play well. He converted three penalties and three conversions for a personal tally of 15 points. Strong running Tonga No.8 Lotu Inise made strong carries and it was the physicality of the Tongans in the breakdown that made the difference.

The Flying Fijians continued with their training session at Albert Park, Suva, on Saturday.

Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere told FRU Media, that they had some great sessions focusing on their attack, defence and set piece.

‘We need to get that right and the results will take care of itself,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Canada started their PNC captain with a 34-20 win over the United States of America on Saturday.

Canada will play Japan this weekend in Sendai, while USA have a week to recover and rebuild before meeting Eddie Jones’s Brave Blossoms in Sacramento, on September 6, before all six teams head to Denver, Colorado, for the semi-finals and fifth-place play-off.