Former All Blacks midfielder Malakai Fekitoa will be fulfilling a dream of donning the Tongan jersey if he is named to run out against the Vodafone Flying Fijians in the opening round of the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday.
The Ikale Tahi know how threatening the Fijians are across the park and Fekitoa said they were excited for the match.
“We are really excited to be part of the competition and are looking forward to it,” said Fekitoa.
“The Fijian team has some amazing talents. They have players who are playing in the highest levels of rugby in Europe and obviously in Super Rugby with the Fijian Drua team. I think they will be really good with the whole country behind them.”
Fekitoa added the Tongans will look to improve on certain facets of their game to drown the Fijians of possession.
“We will go out there this weekend and test ourselves. “We have only been together in camp for a week and there is a lot to learn.
“It is hard being away from home, but we are up for the challenge and hopefully we play a good game this weekend.
“It will be an emotional moment for me, Charles (Piutau) and Izzy (Folau) to represent our small island nation for the first time and we are really excited for the opportunity.”
Fekitoa said they were expecting more former internationals to put their hands up for Tonga in the coming months.
“There are a few who will be available by November. So far this is all we have and we trust in each other to perform.”
Playing against his former All Black midfield partner Setareki Tamanivalu is something Fekitoa is looking forward to if they are both included in the matchday 23.
“Seta is a great player who has been around the world playing some amazing rugby.
“He is very talented and Fiji is very lucky to have him back. He is a good mate and I had the privilege to run alongside him against Wales a few years back.
“I am looking forward to playing against him again and hopefully we showcase what we have learnt over the years for our teams.”
The match kicks off at 3.30pm.
