Pacific Nations Cup

Tamanivalu is the first Fijian player to join the Flying Fijians following the change in World Rugby eligibility rules in November 2021.

The squad also includes 16 players from the Fijian Drua, who will feature alongside other Super Rugby Pacific and Europe-based stars for their country.

“It’s very exciting and a real honour for us to present the first Flying Fijians squad of 2022 to the Fijian people”, Flying Fijians  Coach, Vern Cotter said.

The 29-year-old loosehead has been selected in the squad to take on Australia A, Tonga and hosts Fiji in July.

The prop, who was born and raised in New Zealand, was approached by Samoa ahead of the 2019 World Cup but opted out because he was on the comeback trail from a knee injury and was heading for Glasgow.

Last summer he could not play against the Maori All Blacks or Tonga because of coronavirus travel restrictions and then he came agonisingly close to an appearance last December.

With Manu Samoa already qualified to play in next year's World Cup, the Pacific Nations Cup serves as a venue for Head Coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua to assess the new roster.

"I'm really excited at the prospect and potential of these group of players", said Vaovasamanaia.

"We have some real experience in there and we also have some young up and coming players that are full of enthusiasm and who will add a lot to this team."

The Flying Fijians will now play two tests against the All Blacks on 10 and 17 July after their home series against Ireland was cancelled because of Covid-19.

Fiji have played New Zealand nine previous occasions, including five tests, the last of which was a 60-14 defeat in Dunedin a decade ago.

As previously confirmed by RNZ Pacific, the Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifier between Samoa and Tonga will be played in New Zealand over two legs.

The Brave Blossoms, will host the Rugby World Cup in just under six weeks time, and the team seems to have had the best possible preparations so far.

Japan started their virtual PNC final against the Eagles with tremendous precision, scoring within three minutes through their inspirational captain Michael Leitch, on their way to 17 unanswered points.

However it was then that USA sevens star Madison Hughes scored to give the Americans some hope.

Goneva missed the first four matches and has impressed Coach John McKee with fellow Nadi man Setareki Tuicuvu during training.

The duo will be in the starting fifteens game.

“We all know what a great player he is and a leader on and off the field,’ McKee said in his remarks about Goneva.

“Tuicuvu is a young player on the way up and has had some real match time.”

McKee adds that the Nadi duo are in top form and will be players to watch.

Ben Volavola also returns to start at fly-half after missing the match against Canada.

The Steve Jackson coached side lost to USA 13-10 last week.

Filo Paulo remains in the second‑row while TJ Ioane moves from openside to number eight.

In the backs, outside centre Kieron Fonotia and full‑back Ahsee Tuala survive the cut.

Logovi'i Munipola, Motu Matu'u and Paul Alo Emile form an all‑new front‑row partnership and Kane Leaupepe joins Paulo in the second row.

Jack Lam captains Samoa for the fourth time at openside and Chris Vui packs down on the other flank.

Head Coach Steve Jackson said they know that it will be a physical and rugged rugby experience.

 “Any Fiji and Samoa test is foremost going to be physical battle and big collisions, he said.

“I have told the boys to stick to a system and structure and those who will be on the ground will expect physical contacts.”

Jackson adds Fiji has beaten some very good teams and it would be a very exciting match to watch.

“This is an opportunity to get our confidence back after last weekend will be looking to step up our game and run the game as we expect.”

Coach John McKee says he will mix his line-up with some senior and experienced players.

“This week you’ll see probably see some players who have never played up until now to now to combine with some who have been playing in the past weeks.” 

The Fiji Times reports that the players are bracing for a fast and physical Pacific rugby rivalry encounter on Saturday in the World Rugby sanctioned tournament.

Fiji has fallen short of retaining the title after their loss to Japan in the first round and a win against Canada in the second round.

All teams now have one remaining game and even if Fiji defeats Samoa, they will still not be in contention for the title.

If Japan beat the USA they are set to win the title, for the first time since 2014.

Fiji will play Samoa in their next Pacific Nations Cup match at ANZ Stadium in Suva this Saturday.