WITH their first Pacific Nations Cup clash against Tonga just hours away, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians are eager to face their opponents.
And the mood in camp for the Mick-Byrne coached side, according to captain Tevita Ikanivere, has been one filled with high spirits.
“I think everybody’s just getting ready to come and play,” he said yesterday.
He shared how the enthusiasm to take on the field has set in for the match-day 23, who have been in camp for the past two weeks.
The team will have a mix of overseas based players and those from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and Ikanivere added he hoped the players would enjoy themselves.
And with the team running out on the field, so too will four debutants making their mark in the white jersey such as Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Motikiai Murray, Taniela Rakuro and Etonia Waqa.
For the captain, it’s a source of pride for him since he and Waqa went to Queen Victoria School together.
“I think it’s great, Eto (Etonia Waqa), I went to school with him, same age grade, same school and I’m looking forward to watching him tomorrow,” he said.
He added the four debutants who were not picked for national selection before, now had the chance to do so.
The Flying Fijians face Tonga in their first assignment since the completion of the July Tests where they met Australia in Newcastle and were beaten 18-21 and the week after, met Scotland in Suva where they won 29-14.
Meanwhile, senior Flying Fijians player Viliame Mata has called on the public to come out in large numbers today, adding this might be the last time some of the players will get the chance to play in front of a home crowd.
The match kicks off at 3pm, at the HFC Bank Stadium.