Seta: It’ll be tough, exciting
“It’s going to be tough, and they have a big forward pack, but I’m not saying that our boys can’t play them, but it’s exciting.”
Thursday 28 August 2025 | 00:00
The Mick Byrne-coached FIJI Water Flying Fijians will not be taking Tonga lightly in their Pacific Nations Cup clash at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday.
This was the view of recalled veteran centre Seta Tamanivalu who indicated that they are ready to put on a good performance.
Tamanivalu knows that Tonga is on high after their 30-16 victory over Manu Samoa last weekend at the Teufaiva Stadium in Nukualofa.
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“Playing at home is always a big advantage, but we don’t take the Tongans lightly,” he said.
“We know they have a really good team; they have so much experience in their team. They have players like me who have played for the All Blacks and some other top teams as well. They have a good team.
“It’s going to be tough, and they have a big forward pack, but I’m not saying that our boys can’t play them, but it’s exciting.”
Full-back Charles Piutau has played 17 times for the All Blacks before switching his allegiance to Tonga. Tongan captain Ben Tameifuna has represented New Zealand Under-20 with 65 Super Rugby games for Chiefs and 106 matches for Racing 92 in the French Top 14.
Tamanivalu has urged fans to come out in big numbers.
Both teams are to name their Match 23 squad today. The match kicks-off at 3pm.
