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The FIJI Water Flying Fijians open their 2025 Pacific Nations Cup campaign this Saturday with a mouth-watering clash against Tonga at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Both nations have already secured their places at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, but with the Pacific Nations Cup title on the line, neither side will be holding back.
WATCH: Fiji vs Tonga Rugby Live From Anywhere
For Fiji, the tournament offers the chance to defend their crown and showcase the depth that head coach Mick Byrne has been steadily building. For Tonga, who stormed past Samoa in their opening match last weekend, the opportunity to topple the region’s powerhouse on Fijian soil is a challenge they are eager to embrace.
Match Information:
Fixture: Fiji vs Tonga
Competition: 2025 Pacific Nations Cup
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Venue: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
TV/Streaming: Coverage available via Rugby247.TV (ANYWHERE)
Fiji’s New Era Begins
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has named a powerful 23-man squad that blends seasoned internationals with fresh debutants. Byrne explained his vision earlier this week:
“It’s a great opportunity. We have a strong mix of experienced players who performed well in July, plus some exciting new faces as we build towards 2027. This game is about growth, depth, and putting our best players forward — but we’re not taking Tonga lightly.”
Among the headline inclusions are four potential debutants, two of whom will start:
Etonia Waqa at blindside flanker, a physical loose forward known for his work rate at the breakdown.
Tudraki Samusamuvodre at outside centre, tasked with injecting creativity and pace into the backline.
On the bench, Motikai Murray and Taniela Rakuro are poised for their first caps. Murray will add versatility in the pack, while Rakuro brings explosive speed on the wing.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere, who starts at hooker, has emphasized the importance of focus and preparation:
“The team has been training very hard. We’ve worked on our systems in attack, defence, and set piece. If we get those right, the results will take care of themselves.”
Fiji enters the contest as the highest-ranked team in the tournament (9th in the world) and the defending champions, but Byrne’s focus remains on growth as much as results.
Tonga Riding High After Samoa Win
Tonga arrives in Suva full of confidence after an impressive 30-16 victory over Samoa in Nuku’alofa. The win highlighted the progress of the ‘Ikale Tahi under captain Ben Tameifuna, who leads from the front in the tight five.
After the Samoa game, Tameifuna quickly shifted attention to the Fijian challenge:
“We know Fiji will be another level, but we are ready to meet that test. This squad has belief and hunger.”
Tonga’s backline will be led by Patrick Pellegrini at fly-half, orchestrating an attack that includes dangerous runners like Solomone Kata, Fine Inisi, and Salesi Piutau. Their forward pack, anchored by Tameifuna and Samiuela Moli, will look to match Fiji’s renowned physicality.
In Round 1, Tonga showcased balance between forward power and backline flair, with Alton McCaskill adding a stunning 52-yard try and scrum-half Augustine Pulu steering the attack. If they replicate that form, the Bearkats could shock the reigning champions.
Matchday Squads
Fiji (1–15)
Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3. Mesake Doge
Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua
Etonia Waqa, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata
Philip Baselala, 10. Caleb Muntz
Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Seta Tamanivalu, 13. Tudraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Motikai Murray, Sam Wye, Kemueli Valetini, Taniela Rakuro
Tonga (1–15)
Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 2. Samiuela Moli, 3. Ben Tameifuna (c)
Tanginoa Halaifonua, 5. Harison Mataele
Tupou Afungia, 7. Fotu Lokotui, 8. Siosiua Moala
Augustine Pulu, 10. Patrick Pellegrini
John Tapueluelu, 12. Fetuli Paea, 13. Solomone Kata, 14. Fine Inisi
Salesi Piutau
Replacements: Siua Maile, Fe’ao Fotuaika, Solomone Tukuafu, Justin Mataele, Talimoni Finau, Sonatane Takulua, Josiah Unga, Uilisi Halaholo
While both Fiji and Tonga have already punched their tickets to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the Pacific Nations Cup remains a matter of pride and prestige. Fiji is chasing a record-extending seventh title, while Tonga seeks to prove their recent improvements are more than just momentum.
Fiji’s home advantage and deeper squad make them favorites, but Tonga’s Round 1 form suggests this could be far closer than rankings might suggest. Fans can expect a high-intensity contest full of collisions, flair, and national pride.
How to Watch Fiji vs Tonga
When: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Where: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
WATCH: Fiji vs Tonga Rugby Live From Anywhere
The Flying Fijians will look to start their title defense in style, but Tonga’s ‘Ikale Tahi have no intention of playing the role of underdog. With new faces in Fiji’s lineup, experienced leaders on both sides, and passionate fan bases behind them, this Pacific Nations Cup showdown promises fireworks in Suva.