Powerful Fiji Airways Flying Fijians side named to face Tonga in the Pasifika Challenge at Eden Park this Saturday

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Coach John McKee has named an experienced side to take on Tonga in the Pasifika Challenge this Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

Head Coach John McKee said “I am very pleased to be able to announce a very strong lineup to play Tonga in our final Test Match before we travel to Japan for Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2019.”

“Our preparation since the 1^st of July has been all about RWC but when the Fiji team crosses the white line on Saturday this match will be about nothing other than Fiji versus Tonga,” McKee added.

In-form Hooker Sam Matavesi joins experienced Props Campese Ma’afu and Kalivati Tawake in the front-row while Tevita Cavubati and Leone Nakarawa partner at the Locks.

Skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Semi Kunatani are on the Flanks and Peceli Yato starts for the first time at number eight this season.

In the backs, Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola maintain their places at scrum-half and at number 10.

McKee has named a powerful centre combination of Levani Botia and Semi Radradra at number 12 and 13 respectively.

Vereniki Goneva and Josua Tuisova are on the wings while Alivereti Veitokani is at full-back.

 “We know Tonga will bring a lot of physicality in attack and defense in this match,” McKee commented.

“Our players know they will have to stand up in this physical contest to be successful in the outcome of this match.

He said it is also important for the team to build their momentum towards RWC from the match this weekend.

“Players know that they have been given a great opportunity with this selection, to play well and put themselves in contention for selection in our opening RWC match against Australia,” McKee added.

McKee has requested Fiji rugby fans in New Zealand to come out in numbers to support them on Saturday.

“We are hoping to see plenty of “Banners Blue” at Eden Park on Saturday supporting our Fiji Airways Flying Fijians,” he said.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians take on Tonga at Eden Park at 4.30pm (NZ Time).  

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad for Tonga

1. Campese Ma’afu
2. Sam Matavesi
3. Kalivati Tawake
4. Tevita Cavubati
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Semi Kunatani
8. Peceli Yato
9. Frank Lomani
10. Ben Volavola
11. Vereniki Goneva
12. Levani Botia
13. Semi Radradra
14. Josua Tuisova
15. Alivereti Veitokani

Reserves

16. Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto

17. Eroni Mawi

18. Peni Ravai

19. Tevita Ratuva

20. Viliame Mata

21. Nikola Matawalu

22. Joshua Matavesi

23. Waisea Nayacalevu