The Fijian's have a pretty settled squad with a number of players being involved in the international set-up for a good few years. Tonga, on the other hand, have a number of new players coming into their set-up due to World Rugby's latest international eligibility laws.
Fiji v Tonga
Saturday 22 July
Churchill Park
Fiji 26/100 | Draw 28/1 | Tonga 13/5
Tonga make the trip to Churchill Park off the back of an impressive win over Australia A that saw them beat a Wallaby second string that contained the likes of Jake Gordan, Bernard Foley and James O’Connor 27-21.
Former All Blacks Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Vaea Fifita all played blinders and were key in Tonga racing to a 24-0 lead at half-time. The Islanders took their foot off the gas in the second stanza and let the Australians back into the game mainly due to a string of changes they made during the second 40. They managed to hang on for the win, however, and they will take a lot of confidence away from that victory.
Fiji are yet to fire a shot in anger on the international stage thus far but will be looking back to the start of July of last year for inspiration having beaten Tonga 36-0 at this weekend’s venue. It must be noted, however, that that was a vastly different look Tongan outfit than the one that will take to the pitch this Saturday.
This should be a cracker of a game with both sides loaded with some serious international talent. While Tonga has more household names in their squad, I think the Fijians will get the win here with a number of players now having two years of Super Rugby Pacific competition under their belt.
Verdict: Fiji
