Hungry to play

TEAM captain Levani Botia wants members of the Flying Fijians to rise to the challenge when they face the All Blacks on July 10 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

It’s being long since our Flying Fijians last played a Test match and their Autumn Test matches last year were disrupted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coach Vern Cotter has been able to assemble a power-packed squad for the Test matches against the mighty All Blacks, and once our boys get their rhythm they’ll prove a handful for the hosts.

The boys are preparing in NZ, and I’m adamant they’ll prove worthy customers against the ABs.

Today, fans will witness two explosive Tests - Samoa v NZ Maori and the All Blacks v Tonga.

NZ has a power-packed side for the Steinlager Test series against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium.

Karl Tu’inukuafe, Dane Coles, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Richie Mo’unga, George Bridge, Quinn Tupaea, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie, Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Finlay Christie, Ethan Blackadder, and brothers Beauden and Jordie Barrett will fly the All Blacks flag against the Ikale Tahi in Duke Nginingini, Sam Moli, Sila Puafisi, Don Lolo, Zane Kapeli, Mateaki Kafatolu, Solomone Funaki, Sione Tuipulotu, Sonatane Takulua, Kalione Hala, Penikolo Latu, Nikolai Foliaki, Fine Inisi, Hosea Saumaki, James Faiva, Siua Maile, Jethro Felemi, Tau Koloamatangi, Nasi Manu, Harrison Mataele, Viliame Taulani, Leon Fukofuka and Walter Fifita.

The ABs last played Tonga in a warm-up Test before the 2019 RWC and ran riot, winning 92-7 in Hamilton. ll the best to the ABs! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

ABs team

WHY have the All Blacks rested their best players for the match against the Flying Fijians?

Does this mean that they have unrated Tonga?

Meanwhile, one hopes that the Flying Fijians will adjust to the cold conditions as the Land of the Long White Clouds is in the middle of its winter seasons.

Meanwhile the cold season at home is ideal for the spread of COVID-19.

Let’s all stay safe and adhere to precautions.

FLOYD ROBINSON

Toorak, Suva

Picture: JOVESA NAISUA Fiji Airways Flying Fijians centre Levani Botia in action against Uruguay during their RWC pool match at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium in Japan, September, 2019. Botia will lead the Flying Fijians against the All Blacks next week.