Pacific Rugby Challenge

Vakata was selected from four candidates that were interviewed late last year.

CEO Peter Harding said his decision has been taken with backing of the National Coach Toutai Kefu and Men’s 7s Head Coach Tevita Tui’fua who were both involved in the selection process:

“Mr Vakata has been involved in watching both Under-20’s games against Samoa and the Tongatapu senior Men’s competition at the end of 2022.”

“He has been working with the TRU’s Head of Performance Semisi Fonua and Lead Performance Analyst Joh Fifita to identify players.”

The two teams met on Friday in the opening round of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge in Suva.

Down 21-9 at half time, Samoa A fought back to 21-21 with two second half tries to halfback Melani Matavao and Joe Sililoto.

But with three minutes remaining Fiji scored two quick tries to Turagavola Veramu Dikidikilati and the captain Mosese Voka.

These followed three first half tries by Warriors to Inia Turagacoko Tamanikaitaroi Tawalo, Waisale Sova Urabuta and Apisalome Vota.

After the match, Stowers took the blame.

Junior Japan beat Tonga A with a score of 42-33.

Tonga A blitzed their way into a 12-0 lead inside the first eight minutes thanks to a brace of tries from centre Paki Afu, the second converted by full-back James Faiva.

Stung into action, Junior Japan responded with a three-try salvo in a 10-minute period between the 17th and 27th minute, number eight Fuala Makisi crossing twice either side of a score for captain and hooker Kosuke Horikoshi. Scrum-half Naoto Saito was on the mark with all three conversions to make the score 21-12.

The competition involves Fiji Warriors, Samoa A, Tonga A and Junior Japan.

The key investment tournament will feature closed law trials around the scrum and ruck areas.

It follows the implementation of World Rugby's global law trials which began on 1 January, 2017 in the southern hemisphere and will do so in the north on 1st August.

Fiji Village reports these trials focused on front‑row replacements, advantage, touch, penalty tries and time‑keeping.

Tonga A team arrived in the country on Monday dressed in their traditional attire and wearing black to mark their mourning period.

Fiji Times reports former Suva captain Isileli Fatani, who is now coaching the side, said they wanted to win the title this year.

"We are ready to face Fiji Warriors in our first game of the competition. The boys are confident of a good outing," Fatani said.

"The team has been preparing for the past two months for the competition. We have only six players who played for Tonga last year while the others are new to the team.