Flying Fijian 15s rugby first five eight Alipate Tani is now likely to take over from Nicky Little as first choice playmaker in the Pacific Nations Cup.
The former rugby league star was in his best form yesterday in Fiji's 36-22 win against Tonga setting up the backline and also scored a try.
Coach Ilivasi Tabua decided to bench Harlequins Wise Luveniyali and use Tani in the number 10 jumper and the Namatakula lad did not let him down.
He added the squad which has 6 new players was told before the game to believe in themselves against the host.
In the other PNC match played yesterday, the Junior All Blacks edged Samoa 17-16.
Fiji will take on the Junior All Blacks on Thursday at Churchill Park in their second PNC match and Japan will meet Samoa at Lawaqa Park on the same day.
Tani to fill Little’s boots
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