Ikale Tahi

A former Manu Samoa international says a change to World Rugby's eligibility rules will be beneficial to Pacific nations such as Tonga.

Samoa go into the match having suffered back-to-back defeats to the New Zealand Māori, but put in an improved 38-21 effort in last weekend's encounter, compared to their 35-10 defeat the week prior.

Meanwhile Tonga will be looking to put last week's 102-0 defeat to the All Blacks behind them.

Manu Samoa coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua said there's a few bumps and bruises from their last two outings, but it's nothing the blue jersey can't fix.

A current member of the Pacific Players’ Association, Seilala Mapusua told TVNZ1’s Breakfast this morning the unlevel playing field faced by Tier Two nations is more dire than World Rugby acknowledges.

“Until we see some real change and movement from the north, it’s going to carry on being this way,” said Mapusua who was speaking after Fijian born Sevu Reece impressed for the All Blacks in their win over Australia.

Piutau was absent from last weekend’s loss against Samoa, with Elvis Taione given the captain’s armband in his absence.

Former Highlander and current Benetton representative Nasi Manu was originally named to captain last week’s side, but was changed late in the week.

Taione will be given a rest this weekend. Instead, Sosefo Sakalia will pack down at hooker with Ma’afu Fia taking Ben Tameifuna’s spot on the tighthead.

The Toutai Kefu coached side will feature most of its experience players such as Cooper Vuna, Steve Mafi, Siale Piutau to name a few.

Manu Samoa beat Tonga 25-17 on Saturday afternoon in wet and muddy ground conditions, which raised questions from players about the decision-making and player safety processes prior to the match.

Pacific Rugby Players' Association CEO Aayden Clarke said players from both teams were briefed about the weather conditions during a training camp in Auckland earlier this month, while officials from World Rugby raised the prospect of playing the game offshore, with no other grounds in Samoa meeting international standard.

The Kingdom finished second to Fiji in the combined Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) standings over the past two years.

The Flying Fijians thrashed Manu Samoa 38-16 in Apia on Saturday to win the 2017 title, which qualified Tonga in the Oceania 2 berth into Pool C alongside England, France, Argentina and USA.

Toutai Kefu said it would give his team direction and something to plan towards over the next two years.

"I think in terms of our mindset it suits us to play the harder teams," he said.

In a tight contest at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Ben Volavola kicked three penalties while Leone Nakarawa got an important try to seal the win for Fiji.

Both sides were locked at 3-all at half-time, according to Fiji Village.

Tonga took the lead early in the second half after Siegfried Fisiihoi crossed over Fiji’s tryline.

It took Fiji only two minutes to respond and Nakarawa scored Fiji’s only try in the 48th minute.

Fiji will be pooled with Australia, Wales and Georgia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

In a tight contest at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nuku’alofa, Ben Volavola kicked three penalties while Leone Nakarawa got an important try to seal the win for Fiji.

Both sides were locked at 3-all at half-time, according to Fiji Village.

Tonga took the lead early in the second half after Siegfried Fisiihoi crossed over Fiji’s tryline.

It took Fiji only two minutes to respond and Nakarawa scored Fiji’s only try in the 48th minute.

Fiji will be pooled with Australia, Wales and Georgia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

McKee has stressed how important this match would be for them and that they are expecting a very physical encounter with Tonga.

He says this match against Tonga is very important for them in terms of their Rugby World Cup qualification and to achieve their goal of finishing as Oceania No 1.

McKee says Tonga played very well in winning against Samoa last week which will give them a lot of confidence coming into this match and they will backed by a very loud local crowd.

It will be their second home test since 2009 following upgrades to the drainage and facilities at Teufaiva Stadium.

Some of the big names who will be playing for Tonga include Racing 92 and former Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna, fullback David Halaifonua, flanker Nili Latu, halfback Sonatane Takulua, centre Siale Piutau and Highlanders prop Siua Hala-nuko-nuka.

Fiji Village reports Tonga were beaten in Samoa and Fiji last year and need to beat Fiji to have a chance of securing automatic World Cup qualification for Japan 2019.