PRIDE passion and Pacific grit will fuel the Tonga Women’s XV when they face the Fijiana XV in their Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship clash at Churchill Park tomorrow.
Head coach Fili Sau is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, describing Fiji as one of the strongest sides in the region.
“I think we are up against the best team in the Pacific. For some of the girls, this is their first time here,” he said.
Despite the daunting task, Sau remains focused on preparing her players mentally and physically for what is expected to be a tough contest.
“My target now is just focusing on my girls and how to get their stuff ready, In the Pacific, the battle is always a battle.”
The Tonga side heads into the match without any overseas-based players, instead relying entirely on local talent a point Sau takes great pride in.
“We don’t have any overseas players with us. All the management and all the players are locals.”
The squad has been assembled through a growing women’s rugby pathway system in Tonga, with many players coming through a national academy setup.
“We are having an academy back in Tonga for women. We are progressing, but not up there yet,” Sau added.
While still developing, the team has had a short but valuable preparation window, training together for about five weeks after being called into camp for the tournament.
“About five weeks. We were in the academy and then received the call from the union to bring the girls in for the tournament.”
With belief in her squad and pride in their journey, Sau is backing her players to rise to the occasion.
“I think the girls are going to play well for us to be there, and I’m very proud of them.”
The match kicks off at 4.30pm, with Tonga aiming to test the hosts in what promises to be a physical Pacific showdown.
