Tonga Knows What to Expect From Hosts
The World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup between Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Australia is expected to be a physical encounter as it has been proven in the past.
The battle of the four nations will be an exciting tournament as Tonga, Samoa and Fiji have included former All Blacks and Wallaby players in their teams under the World Rugby Eligibility Rules.
Ikale Tahi Tonga has named a formidable team with the likes of former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau and former All Blacks duo Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa.
Manu Samoa will be guided by the leadership of former Crusaders Michael Alaalatoa and 15 Moana Pasifika players to boost their PNC campaign.
The Flying Fijians have included renowned players like former All Blacks winger Seta Tamanivalu
and former Crusaders and Western Force sensation Manasa Matele.
Manu Samoa robust centre
Piutau is expecting a tough encounter against the Flying Fijians this weekend.
“It’s always special when Pacific island teams play each other, it’s just a lot of flair, the X-factor and expect a physical challenge and all the teams are going to enjoy that physical battle,” said Piutau.
The three island nations team,
Tonga, Samoa and Fiji have all taken advantage of the new World Rugby eligibility rule naming all-star squads to feature this weekend.
“Some have used the eligibility rule, like Israel, Malakai Tamani and Alopeti so it will be great to see those guys experience and see their flair and X-factor don the Tongan jersey.
Meanwhile former All Blacks midfielder Malakai Fekitoa is focused
on the task ahead and can’t wait to represent his island for the first time.
‘It’s been an exciting week for myself and a few others as well, Charles(Piutau) and Izzy (Israel Folau) for the first time representing our island nation, yeah it’s going to be an emotional weekend’.
Fiji face Tonga at 3pm on tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium while in another PNC game Australia A take on Samoa at 1pm.