TEST RUGBY: Tonga v Fiji 2nd Test

19.08.2011
Tonga v Fiji in Lautoka (World Cup Warm-up 2nd test)

Venue: Churchill Park

Referee:

 
Fijian war dance the Cibi                   Tongan war dance Sibu Tau

Preview
Tonga and Fiji meet again for the second test in this World Cup warm-up series. Last week Fiji were dominant and won 27-12. This week tong look to have their strongest side available. Tonga’s next outing will be in front of a capacity crowd for the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony and fist game against the All Blacks.

Fiji has made four changes to the line up that won last weekend. Captain Deacon Manu, who is unwell, is replaced by Waisea Daveta, whilst Talei, Tagicakibau and Fatiaki all get runs, with Deai and Bai rested.

Tonga run on side sees Maka back as captain with France-based Alipate Fatafehi included to make a strong side.

Last Five Encounters
13.08.2011 Fiji 27-12 in Lautoka (World Cup Warm-up)
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)

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

IRB Ranking Points
Fiji 72.25, Tonga 71.17

Prediction: Fiji by 5 points

Teams

Fiji
15. Kini Murimurivalu
14. Vereniki Goneva
13. Albert Vulivuli
12. Ravai Fatiaki
11. Michael Tagicakibau
10. Waisea Luveniyali
9. Vitori Buatava
8. Sisa Koyamaibole
7. Akapusi Qera, Capt.
6. Netani Talei
5. Wame Lewaravu
4. Rupeni Nasiga
3. Waisea Daveta
2. Sunia Koto
1. Campese Ma'afu
Replacements
16. Talemaitoga Tuapati
17. Setefano Somoca
18. Leone Nakarawa
19. Masi Matadigo
20. Nemia Kenatale
21. Nicky Little
22. Iliesa Keresoni
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni

Adapted from http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=qera-captain-flying-fijians

Tonga
15. Viliami Iongi
14. Fetuu Vainikolo
13. Alipate Fatafehi
12. Siale Piutau
11. Vungakoto Lilo
10. Kurt Morath
9. Taniela Moa
8. Viliami Maafu
7. Finau Maka, Capt.
6. Sione Kalamafoni
5. Joseph Tuineau
4. Lisiate Faaoso
3. Tonga Leaaetoa
2. Aleki Lutui
1. Soane Tongauiha
Replacements
16. Ilaisia Maasi
17. Halani Aulika
18. Sione Timani
19. Samiu Vahafolau
20. Andrew Mailei
21. Thomas Palu
22. Sukanaivalu Hufanga
Head Coach: 'Isitolo Maka

Adapted from Adapted from http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=qera-captain-flying-fijians