Fiji Water Flying Fijians’ Expect a Strong PNC Encounter Against Tonga.
The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup match against Tongs this weekend.
The defending champions underwent intense training sessions throughout the week, fine tuning their strategies for the match.
Tonga comes into the match with the highs of defeating Samoa over the weekend.
Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere said they are fully aware of the high expectations especially with the match being played at home.
“The team has been training very hard.
“We’ve had some great sessions and work on our systems both in attack, defence and set piece to get those things right and the results will just take care of itself,” he said.
The team presented its i-Tatau on Friday evening to Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.
Saukuru reminded the players on the purpose of their selection.
The first test of their preparation comes on Saturday when they face a tough Tongan ‘Ikale Tahi side.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Looking at their peformance last year, if you took a cursory look at the numbers behind the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 then you might conclude that Fiji cantered to their sixth title.
The Flying Fijians scored 155 points in their four matches, while conceding only 55.
Their narrowest margin of victory was the 22-3 defeat of USA in the semi-finals, which was also the only game in which they didn’t score at least five tries.
But glance behind those extraordinary statistics and it becomes clear that Fiji were tested as they surged to their first Pacific Nations Cup crown since 2018 in their first tournament under new coach Mick Byrne.
Fiji defeated Japan 41-17 in last year’s final at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.