Fiji change five for 'Ikale Tahi clash Featured
The Flying Fijians during a training session in Tonga
7 July, 2017. Fiji made five changes to their starting side for Saturday's Rugby World Cup qualifying match against Tonga in Nuku'alofa.
A win for the Flying Fijians at Teufaiva Stadium would seal a spot in Group D at the 2019 tournament in Japan, alongside Australia, Wales, Georgia and a qualifier from the Americas.
Veteran props Campese Maáfu and Manasa Saulo will anchor the scrum against the 'Ikale Tahi, with Peni Ravai and Kalivati Tawake dropping to the bench.
Nemani Nagusa returns at number eight, with captain Akapusi Qera shifting to the openside flank in place of Peceli Yato.
Out wide, Timoci Nagusa comes in for Kini Murimurivalu at fullback while Asaeli Tikoirotuma makes his first appearance of the season, after being preferred to Albert Vulivuli at centre.
The Flying Fijians are full of confidence after back to back wins against tier one nations but coach John McKee said the job was not done yet.
"We know that what really counts now is our performance going forward and although we take pats on the back for beating Scotland and Italy I've emphasised to the players that what's important now is our performance this weekend," he said.
"What's always been our goal over the campaign is to gain our Rugby World Cup qualification as Oceania Number One."
John McKee was a keen observer as the 'Ikale Tahi beat Samoa last weekend and said playing in Tonga
"We expect a very physical encounter with Tonga on Saturday," he said.
"Tonga played very well in winning against Samoa last week which will give them a lot of confidence coming into this match and they will backed by a very loud local crowd.
"We will need to be absolutely on top of our game and not distracted by the crowd."
A win would also keep Fiji on track to defend the Pacific Nations Cup title, while Tonga can secure their first ever PNC crown with a second straight victory on home soil.
Fiji squad:
Campese Maáfu, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera ©, Nemani Nagusa, Serupepeli Vularika, Ben Volavola, Patrick Osborne, Jale Vatubua, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Josua Tuisova, Timoci Nagusa.
Reserves: Tuapati Talemaitoga, Peni Ravai, Kalivati Tawake, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Viliame Mata, Henry Seniloli, Vereniki Goneva, Benito Masilevu.
-RNZI
