‘Tonga is a Threat’: Mayanavanua
“Tonga is a very dangerous side; we’ve seen it in last week’s game against Samoa,” the former Northampton Saints forward said.
Thursday 28 August 2025 | 00:00
Flying Fijians No.8 Viliame Mata (nearest to camera) along with Eroni Mawi and Simione Kuruvoli during the team’s dinner night with their sponsors at Suva’s Holiday Inn on August 26, 2025.
Photo: FRU Media
Flying Fijians powerhouse lock Temo Mayanavanua is looking forward to a good hit against Tonga in their Pacific Nations Cup opener at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday.
Mayanavanua is tipped to partner Isoa Nasilasila in the run on squad.
The 1.97m forward has rated Tonga as a threat to their PNC defence campaign.
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“Tonga is a very dangerous side; we’ve seen it in last week’s game against Samoa,” the former Northampton Saints forward said.
“They pounced on every opportunity. We can’t let that happen,” he said.
“Tonga is a very dangerous side; we’ve seen it in last week’s game against Samoa.”
Temo Mayanavanua
Apart from their Europe-based players, there are five Moana Pasifika reps in the Tonga squad. The Moana Pasifika players are Patrick Pellegrini, Samiuela Moli, Aisea Halo, Lotu Inisi and Fine Inisi. Also assisting in the coaching department are Moana Pasifika assistant coaches of Alado Soakai and Pauliasi Manu.
Mayanavanua said Fiji would have to be ready and counter their opponents on game day.
“Tonga is a threat on the field with their physicality and flow. We need to work together as a team and play our game” he said.
While the morale of the team is high, he said it was good to have a mix of young and old players in camp.
“Everyone is in good spirits and bonding.
“Tonga is a threat on the field with their physicality and flow. We need to work together as a team and play our game.”
Temo Mayanavanua
“The atmosphere in camp has been good and we look to take this attitude to the big dance,” he added.
He said the team would work on the platform set in the July tests and they would improve from there.
“Our standards should not drop; we have to work and keep our level high. That is our goal for consistency,” he said.
The team had a grueling training session on Tuesday.
“Tonga is a very physical team.
“We have to be up on our game and cannot afford mistakes,” he added.
