The Tonga A rugby team has been fielded with experienced players in a bid to counter the PRC defending champion Fiji Warriors.
As a former Suva rugby captain back in 1997 and 1998, Tongan coach Isileli Fatani knows too well how Fijians play on the field.
“Fiji is a really good team and they’ve got the best quality of players. They’re very active in attacking and defending but we’re training all this time to defend them come Friday. We’ve got some overseas-based-players and we hope they will counter the strong Fijian side,” Fatani said.
Fatani adds they are looking forward to improve over last year where they suffered a humiliating defeat against Fiji 56-18.
FBC reports the squad of 28 players is made up of 19 local players, nine overseas-based players, five from New Zealand and four from Australia.
Fiji will take on Tonga A at 5.30pm (local time) Friday at ANZ Stadium in Suva.