Flying Fijians

Coach John McKee says he will mix his line-up with some senior and experienced players.

“This week you’ll see probably see some players who have never played up until now to now to combine with some who have been playing in the past weeks.” 

The Fiji Times reports that the players are bracing for a fast and physical Pacific rugby rivalry encounter on Saturday in the World Rugby sanctioned tournament.

Fiji has fallen short of retaining the title after their loss to Japan in the first round and a win against Canada in the second round.

All teams now have one remaining game and even if Fiji defeats Samoa, they will still not be in contention for the title.

If Japan beat the USA they are set to win the title, for the first time since 2014.

Fiji will play Samoa in their next Pacific Nations Cup match at ANZ Stadium in Suva this Saturday.

The match against Japan will serve as a key Rugby World Cup warm up for Fiji who play Uruguay in their second pool game of the tournament in Japan at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium on September 25.

Walker-Leawere, who was named Māori All Blacks squad, is the son of 2007 Fiji Rugby World Cup lock and current Baby Flying Fijians coach Kele Leawere.

The Gisborne youngster is a former New Zealand Under 20 rep and Hurricanes player.

He said he is proud to represent the NZ Māori and looks forward to playing against his Fijian brothers in Suva on Saturday.

"[It's] pretty surreal. Just feels different from just coming in and out of training to be named in the squad. Pretty much nervous for the season coming but will see what happens."

The ninth-ranked Fijians, who stunned France in Paris six months ago, will host the Māori in Suva on July 13 with the return match in Rotorua a week later.

Fiji Rugby chief executive John O'Connor was delighted to secure two competitive mid-year games, which he said isn't always easy to achieve for the Pacific nations.

"It is indeed a timely boost for the Flying Fijians as we will prepare for the Rugby World Cup in Japan later in the year," he said.

The Pacific Nations Cup holders opened their Northern Tour with a 19-10 defeat by Italy in Catania at the weekend, who the home side avenging their loss in Suva in June.

The result denied Fiji a chance to overtake France in the test rankings and coach John McKee said they struggled for cohesion with the squad having come together at short notice from all corners of the globe.

"We had some good individual performances but probably our key combinations didn't operate as well as we needed to to put the Italians under any sort sustained pressure," he said.

The Flying Fijians won their third straight Pacific Nations Cup title in July and secured the Oceania One berth for the 2019 World Cup, putting them in Pool D alongside Australia, Wales, Georgia and a qualifier.

The ninth-ranked Fijians also chalked up major victories on home soil against Six Nations duo Italy and Scotland but McKee is wanting to see that form replicated on the road.

"We set ourselves a good high benchmark across those tests earlier in the year but the important thing now is to step up to another level in November," he said.

The France-based winger, who had been on destructive mode since appearing for Fiji in the ongoing World Rugby Test series, is expected to be an impact player in the team's campaign to win the PNC.

Tonga leads the tally after two games.

Fiji Times reports a win this weekend for the Fijians will ensure we retain the annual title.

Tuisova's 7s Rio Olympics teammate and off-load king Leone Nakarawa is expected to be on his 'A'-game after showing A-grade elusive ball handling skills against the Ikale Tahi in Nuku'alofa last weekend.

The visitors trailed 10-3 with 27 minutes remaining at a sold-out Teufaiva Stadium but cut the deficit to two points with a try from Leone Nakarawa before Ben Volavola slotted two penalty goals in the final quarter of an hour to secure a hard fought win.

Flying Fijians coach John McKee said securing the top qualifying berth was their key focus this year.

Tonga remain in the hunt for one of two automatic Rugby World Cup qualifying berths after beating Manu Samoa at Teufaiva Stadium last weekend.

Fiji are coming off impressive victories against Italy and Scotland in Suva and will seal top spot in Oceania, and a more favourable World Cup pool, with victory this afternoon.

But Toutai Kefu said the hosts are improving and won't be lacking in motivation.