Flying Fijians

McKee has stressed how important this match would be for them and that they are expecting a very physical encounter with Tonga.

He says this match against Tonga is very important for them in terms of their Rugby World Cup qualification and to achieve their goal of finishing as Oceania No 1.

McKee says Tonga played very well in winning against Samoa last week which will give them a lot of confidence coming into this match and they will backed by a very loud local crowd.

Jack Ram will start at openside flanker in place of former captain Nili Latu, who was forced to leave the tour due to a family emergency.

RNZI reports Tevita Taufu'i earns his first test start at second five, with captain Siale Piutau shifting to centre for Nafi Tu'itavake, who left the tour early for personal reasons.

Sione Tau will provide loose forward cover from the bench, with Kiti Taimani also elevated to the match-day 23.

'Ikale Tahi growing in confidence

McKee says the Tongans will surely come out of their comfort zone to deny the Fijians a win.

He says they are really focusing on their team plan against the Ikale Tahi.

“We’re working on the clarity around their game plan and also some physical intensity in their training. We’ve got some specific place that we know will quite fit in their team,” he told FBC.

The match kicks off at 2pm in Tonga on Saturday.

The top two teams in the combine results of 2016 and 2017 PNC will qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

And with a win already in the bag after defeating Samoa at Apia last weekend, the Tongans will surely come out of their comfort zone to deny the Fijians a win.

However, Flying Fijians head coach John McKee is confident he has what it takes to break the hearts of their vocal fans.

McKee, who guided this flamboyant Fijians in their last training session in Nadi yesterday before departing for Tonga this morning has faith in the 28 players he had selected.

Olympic Sevens gold medallist Josua Tuisova, who plies his trade at French giants Toulon, has been selected on the right wing, while Mosese Ducivaki, Sikeli Nabou and John Stewart are all included on the bench for the match at ANZ Stadium.

There are five furtherchanges to the starting fifteen with Sunia Koto, Tevita Cavubati, Peceli Yato, Patrick Osborne and Albert Vulivuli also getting an opportunity.

Matson said this was one area which let the team down in the first two games of the 2015 Rugby World Cup – against England and Australia.

“Discipline is critical at this level. You cannot get away with things at Rugby World Cup,” the former Fijian and New Zealand international said.

“Discipline has let us down against the big teams. They consequently lead six to nine points and we end up chasing the game,” Matson said.

He predicts the Fijians would provide a tough challenge against Wales in Cardiff on Friday.