Flying Fijians, Tonga have a chance to create history

The Flying Fijians and the Ikale Tahi from Tonga have a chance to create history today by winning their first ever Pacific Nations Cup title.

Both teams have not won the PNC since it started in 2006 where Fiji have been runners up in 2009, 2010 and last year while Tonga were runners up in 2011.

 

The Flying Fijians will meet Tonga for the 86th time this afternoon. 

Fiji has won three out of the five matches played against Tonga with the last victory being 29-17 last year.

The first time these two sides met was in 1924 in Nukualofa where Tonga beat Fiji 9-6. 

Tonga will be led by inspirational open side flanker Nili Latu.  

Flying Fijians coach Inoke Male has made 6 changes to the side that beat USA on Wednesday with Setefano Somoca teaming up with Viliame Veikoso and Campese Maafu in the front row while Apisalome Ratuniyarawa and Wame Lewaravu are the locking partners.

 

Male has named Nikola Matawalu to start at fullback and Nemia Kenatale takes his place at halfback. 

Apisai Naikatini, Captain Akapusi Qera and Netani Talei are the loose forwards.

Saula Radidi gets his first start of the year at inside center and Nemani Nadolo will be in the number 13 jersey.

The wingers are Napolioni Nalaga and Sireli Bobo while the veteran Seremai Bai is the first five eighth. 

Fiji's line up to play Tonga are: Setefano Somoca,Viliame Veikoso, Campese Maafu ,Apisalome Ratuniyarawa , Wame Lewaravu, Apisai Naikatini, Captain Akapusi Qera, Netani Talei, Nemia Kenatale, Seremai Bai, Saula Radidi, Nemani Nadolo, Napolioni Nalaga ,Sireli Bobo and Nikola Matawalu.

 

The Flying Fijians have to beat Tonga to win their first PNC title.

Fiji will play Tonga at 3:10pm today.