MAN-MOUNTAIN Leone Nakarawa is eager to mark his return in the national colours with a win against Tonga at Lautoka’s Churchill Park tomorrow.
The Glasgow Warriors lock forward made a return to the Flying Fijians after missing out in last year’s PNC campaign.
Nakarawa said he was optimistic of a good outing in front of the home fans.
“Tonga always boasted about their big forwards but for us in this team we have big hearts,” he said.
“We know the Tongans will be tough and we have prepared well for the battle.
“We are here to defend our turf and we don’t want to give our ground away easily to any foreigner.
“We will work together to achieve our aim and to make our fans proud.”
Nakarawa said the physicality of the Tongan players would motivate the Flying Fijians to fulfil their goal.
“The Tongans have earlier stated that our forwards are not that strong but we will show it to them during the game.”
“We have prepared well for this game and we will play to our very best to prove them wrong.”
Meanwhile, Tonga has made few changes from the side that drew with Samoa last week.
Head coach Mana Otai said the players knew the expectation required of them.
“We are here for a reason and we will do our best to win the game,” he added.
Tonga: Tevita mailau, Suliasi taufalele, Sila puafisi, Joshua afu, Daniel faleafa, Pasuka mapakaitolo, Nili latu (c), Viliami ma’afu, Sonatane takulua, Fangatapu ‘apikotoa, Alaska taufa, Fraser anderson, Siale piutau, Fetu’u vainikolo, David halaifonua.
Reserves: Paula ngauamo, ‘Ofa fainga’anuku, Eddie ‘aholelei, Sitiveni mafi, Viliami fihaki, Samisoni fisilau, Latiume fosita, Will helu,
Fiji: Campese Ma’afu, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Manasa Saulo, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Malakai Ravulo, Akapusi Qera , Nikola Matawalu, Jonetani Ralulu, Watisoni Votu, Nemani Nadolo, Adriu Delai, Sireli Bobo, Timoci Nagusa.
Reserves: Viliame Veikoso, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Isei Colati, Apisai Naikatini, Nemani Nagusa, Nemia Kenatale, Waisea Nayacalevu, Metuisela Talebula.
