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IRB PACIFIC NATIONS CUP

News | Fixtures and Results | Tickets

Preview: Tonga v Fiji

Friday 04th July 2008

After impressing at the Rugby World Cup last year, Tonga have flattered to deceive in this year's Pacific Nations Cup and enter the final weekend still looking for their first win.

To that end, they have made several changes to the team that had the lead last week against Samoa but eventually succumbed to a 20-15 defeat, including the recall of rugby's current wild boy, Epi Taione.

For Fiji, flanker Aca Ratuva returns, and there is a new cap in the second row for Josefa Domolailai, among numerous changes to the Fijian side.

Centre Saula Radidi and wing Vereneki Goneva both face late fitness tests and have been bracketed in their positions with Marika Vakacegu and Michael Tagicakibau respectively.

A win would see Fiji safely into third place for the tournament.

Tonga: 15 Lilo Vungakoto, 14 Pone Samisoni, 13 Hudoan Tonga'uhia, 12 Epeli Taione, 11 Suka Hufanga, 10 Pierre Hola, 9 Enele Taufa, 8 Samiu Vahafolau, 7 Nili Latu (capt), 6 Hale T Pole, 5 Paino Hehea, 4 Milton Ngauamo, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Ephraim Taukafa, 1 Semisi Telefoni.
Replacements: 16 Ma'asi Viliami, 17 Tonga Lea'aetoa, 18 Joshua Afu, 19 Vilii Vaki, 20 Soane Havea, 21 Fangatapu Apikatoa, 22 Seti Kiole.

Fiji: 15 Dan Rawaqa, 14 Jerry Tuilevu, 13 Sireli Naqelevuki, 12 Saula Radidi (Marika Vakacegu), 11 Vereniki Goneva (Michael Tagicakibau), 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Aporosa Vata, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Aca Ratuva, 5 Deryck Thomas, 4 Josefa Domolailai, 3 Jone Railomo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Graham Dewes
Replacements: 16 Vereniki Sauturaga, 17 Viliame Seuseu, 18 Sailosi Rabonaqica, 19 Rupeni Nasiga, 20 Nemia Kenatale, 21 Jonetani Ralulu, 22 Iliesa Keresoni.

Referee: Carlo Damasco (Italy)