Flying Fijians

Coach John McKee's starting XV to face Tonga at Eden Park on Saturday is likely to be close to that which runs out against the Wallabies in their pool opener at Sapporo three weeks later.

The team is dominated by European-based professionals and most of them were involved in last November's historic 21-14 upset of France in Paris.

That includes Bordeaux-based outside centre Radradra, who has made slick transition to the 15-man code.

Fiji will play Tonga and Samoa face a New Zealand Heartland XV at Eden Park two years after the initial Pasifika Challenge saw Samoa take on New Zealand and Tonga play Wales at the same venue in 2017.

Ahead of this latest New Zealand celebration of Islands rugby, World Rugby has highlighted how it partnered with the three unions in a four-year high-performance support programme where direct and indirect support from the game’s governing global body is expected to reach £20 million from 2016-19.

The Chiefs backline coach in this year’s Super Rugby knows what to expect when taking on the Tongans.

“It is really an important game. We really want to perform well in our last official test match before the world cup.”

“It is a Pacific Challenge against one of our old foes. It is really important because Eden Park is going to be home game for Tonga,” he said.

Matson adds selecting the first line up against the Ikale Tahi.

“There have a lot of selection debate, which is great. It shows the depth and the quality of players we have across all positions now.”

 Speaking to ‘The Fiji Times’, Head Coach John McKee said they are under no illusion that this game would be no walk in the park.

“Tonga will bring a lot of physicality,” McKee said.

“If you think it was physical against Samoa, you can rank that up with Tonga.”

McKee expects the stands to be flooded with the Tongan red flags and Tongans turning up in numbers wearing red in support for the Ikale Tahi.

Fiji will be walking into a red zone- more Tongan support is expected in Auckland than Fijians.

A current member of the Pacific Players’ Association, Seilala Mapusua told TVNZ1’s Breakfast this morning the unlevel playing field faced by Tier Two nations is more dire than World Rugby acknowledges.

“Until we see some real change and movement from the north, it’s going to carry on being this way,” said Mapusua who was speaking after Fijian born Sevu Reece impressed for the All Blacks in their win over Australia.

The team :

Campese Ma’afu

Eroni Mawi

Peni Ravai

Mesulame Dolokoto

Samuela Matavesi

Ratu Vere Vugakoto

Leeroy Atalifo

Manasa Saulo

Kalivati Tawake

Tevita Cavubati

Leone Nakarawa

Api Ratuniyarawa

Tevita Ratuva

Semi Kunatani

Viliame Mata

Mosese Voka

Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Captain)

Peceli Yato

Frank Lomani

Niko Matawalu

Henry Seniloli

Levani Botia

Jale Vatubua

Ben Volavola

Veriniki Goneva

Filipo Nakosi

After a win and a loss to the Māori All Blacks in July, Fiji were defeated in their opening game of the PNC by Japan, who went on to win the tournament.

Wins over Canada and Samoa gave Fiji second place, the first time they had failed to claim the title since 2014.

Even though Fiji relinquished the silverware, McKee said it was good build up for September's World Cup in Japan.

"It's been quite an intensive five weeks with the five matches, a large squad and all our trainings," he said.

Head Coach John McKee is confirmed to be naming his final squad on Friday.

McKee has given the players five days to rest before they will leave their families and loved ones behind for a month for national duties in Japan.

McKee who will leave for Australia tonight says he will be back on Thursday before they name the side on Friday.

Players who are sure starters for the World Cup include Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Frank Lomani, Semi Radradra, Sam Matavesi, Josua Tuisova, Ben Volavola, Leone Nakarawa and Campese Ma’afu.

Goneva missed the first four matches and has impressed Coach John McKee with fellow Nadi man Setareki Tuicuvu during training.

The duo will be in the starting fifteens game.

“We all know what a great player he is and a leader on and off the field,’ McKee said in his remarks about Goneva.

“Tuicuvu is a young player on the way up and has had some real match time.”

McKee adds that the Nadi duo are in top form and will be players to watch.

Ben Volavola also returns to start at fly-half after missing the match against Canada.

Head Coach Steve Jackson said they know that it will be a physical and rugged rugby experience.

 “Any Fiji and Samoa test is foremost going to be physical battle and big collisions, he said.

“I have told the boys to stick to a system and structure and those who will be on the ground will expect physical contacts.”

Jackson adds Fiji has beaten some very good teams and it would be a very exciting match to watch.

“This is an opportunity to get our confidence back after last weekend will be looking to step up our game and run the game as we expect.”