Rugby Test Match: Fiji take on Tonga

13.06.2009
Fiji v Tonga in Nuku'alofa (Pacific Nations Cup)

Preview
Fiji and Tonga begin their Pacific Nations Cup campaign in Nuku'alofa before both teams head to Fiji to complete the tournament.

Fiji's position in Oceania rugby has slipped over the last few years. The Fijians have not defeated Tonga since 2005. The Fijians will still be hurting over this situation and I expect a huge game from them.

Last Five Encounters
05.07.2008 Tonga 27-16 in Nuku'alofa (Pacific Nations Cup)
16.06.2007 Tonga 21-15 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
10.06.2006 Tonga 24-23 in Gosford (Pacific Five Nations)
16.07.2005 Fiji 24-19 in Nuku'alofa (WCQ Oceania R3)
25.06.2005 Fiji 19-11 in Suva (WCQ Oceania R3)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Tonga 11th, Fiji 12th
Oceania Table-Tonga 4th, Fiji 5th

Prediction: Fiji by 7 points


Teams

Fiji
15. Taniela Rawaga, Full Back
14. Filimoni Bolavucu, Right Wing
13. Waisale Sukanaveita, Right Centre
12. Seru Rabeni, Left Centre
11. Timoci Nagusa, Left Wing
10. Alipate Noilen, Fly Half
9. Jone Daunivucu, Scrum Half
8. Netani Talei, Number Eight
7. Malakai Volau, Right Flanker
6. Semisi Saukawa, Left Flanker
5. Kelemete Leawere, Right Lock
4. Josefa Domolailai, Left Lock
3. Viliame Seuseu, Tighthead Prop
2. Sunia Koto, Hooker
1. Graham Dewes, Loosehead Prop

Replacements
16. Isireli Ledua, Front Row Forward
17. Aleposo Yalayalatabua, Front Row Forward
18. Leone Nakarawa, Lock Forward
19. Sakiusa Matadigo, Utility Forward
20. Nemia Ranuku, Scrum Half
21. Waisea Luvenivali, Utility Back
22. Ilikena Bolakoro, Utility Back Fiji
Head Coach, Ilivasi Tabua

http://www.matangitonga.to/article/sports/rugby/20090611_pacific_cup_tonga-fiji.shtml

Tonga 'Ikale Tahi

15. Vungakoto Lilo, Full Back
14. 'Alipate Fatafehi, Right Wing
13. Hudson Tonga'uiha, Right Centre
12. Epeli Taione, Left Centre
11. Tevita Halaifonua, Left Wing
10. Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, Fly Half
9. Sililo Marten, Scrum Half
8. Chris Hala'ufia, Number Eight
7. Nili Latu, Captain/Right Flanker
6. Hale Pole, Vice Captain/Left Flanker
5. Sione Timani, Right Lock
4. Joshua Afu, Left Lock
3. Po'alo'i Taula, Tighthead Prop
2. 'Ilaisa Ma'asi, Hooker
1. Toma Toke, Loosehead Prop

Replacements
16. Viliami Ma'asi, Front Row Forward
17. Makoni Finau, Front Row Forward
18. 'Opeti Fonua, Lock Forward
19. Pasuka Mapakaitolo, Utility Forward
20. Mahe Fangupo, Scrum Half
21. Kaiongo Tupou, Utility Back
22. Joseph Vaka, Utility Back

Head Coach, Quddus Fielea.

http://www.matangitonga.to/article/sports/rugby/20090611_pacific_cup_tonga-fiji.shtml