INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: First test Fiji v Tonga

13.08.2011
Tonga v Fiji in Lautoka (World Cup Warm-up 1st test)

Venue: Churchill Park

Referee:

Preview
Fiji and Tonga have opted for a two-test series based at Lautoka as their Rugby World Cup preparations. They meet again next Friday 19th. Both Fiji and Tonga will announce their Rugby World Cup squads after that match.

Fiji will be out to erase the memory of their record 21-45 loss to Tonga, here on the same ground, in the opening Pacific Nations match.

New Tongan players added to squad include experience players Finau Maka, Sione Tonga’uiha, Halani ‘Aulika and Fetu Vainikolo who did not play in the Pacific Nations Cup series.

The Fijians are struggling with injuries.

Fiji’s scrum prepares for Saturday.
Image thanks to www.fijirugby.com

Other Previews
http://www.fijilive.com/sports/rugby/news/2011/08/08/22764.Fijilive
http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=flying-fijians-named-first-tonga-test-punjas-series

Last Five Encounters
02.07.2011 Tonga 45-21 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
19.06.2010 Fiji 41-38 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
13.06.2009 Fiji 36-22 in Nuku’alofa (Pacific Nations Cup)
05.07.2008 Tonga 27-16 in Nuku’alofa (Pacific Nations Cup)
16.06.2007 Tonga 21-15 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Tonga 13th, Fiji 14th
Oceania Table-Tonga 3rd, Fiji 4th

IRB Ranking Points
Tonga 71.80, Fiji 71.52

Prediction: Tonga by 5 points.

Teams

Tonga
15 Viliame 'Iongi.
14 William Helu
13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga
12 Andrew Ma'ilei
11 Fetu'u Vainikolo
10 Samisoni Fisilau
9 Taniela Moa
8 Viliami Ma'afu
7 Sione Vaiomo'unga
6 Sione Kalamafoni
5 Paino Hehea
4 Tukulua Lokotui
3 Halani Aulika
2 'Aleki Lutui (Captain)
1 'Alisona Taumalolo
Replacements
16 Ephraim Taukafa
17 Tonga Lea'aetoa
18 Sione Timani
19 Samiu Vahafolau
20 Tomasi Palu
21 Siale Piutau
22 Vungakoto Lilo
Head Coach: ‘Isotolo Maka

Adapted from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ikale-Tahi-for-2011-Rugby-World-Cup/113379952031591

Fiji
15. Kini Murimurivalu
14. Vereniki Goneva
13. Albert Vulivuli
12. Seremaia Bai (v-capt)
11. Adriu Delai
10. Waisea Luveniyali
9. Vitori Buatava
8. Sisa Koyamaibole
7. Malakai Ravulo
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
5. Wame Lewaravu
4. Rupeni Nasiga
3. Deacon Manu, Capt.
2. Sunia Koto
1. Campese Maafu
Replacements
16. Viliame Veikoso
17. Waisea Daveta
18. Jovilisi Domolailai
19. Masi Matadigo
20. Waisale Vatuvoka
21. Ravai Fatiaki
22. Iliesa Keresoni
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni

Adapted from http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=flying-fijians-named-first-tonga-test-punjas-series