Tonga 7s

Australia can secure passage to Tokyo 2020 at the Oceania Sevens by winning their section of the tournament, where Tonga and Samoa shape as their two biggest hurdles.

A strong Australian squad will play Vanuatu and Nauru on Thursday before games against American Samoa and Tonga on Friday and if they both top their pool, a likely Olympic play-off against Samoa on Saturday.

The already-qualified New Zealand and Fiji will also play in Suva, but not against Australia until the Olympic quota spot has been decided.

Team Manager Seluini Iloa says they are looking forward to displaying the same spirit at the grounds come game time at the Oceania 7s this week.

“That was a big win for all of Tonga. We look forward to put the same spirit into this weekend’s tournament.”

The Kingdom competed at the Hamilton and Sydney legs of the World Series earlier this year, where they managed notable wins against France, Japan and Kenya.

Team manager Richard Weightman said Tonga's first World Series tournaments in five years were a big learning experience, with just about the whole team having never played at that level before.