Flying Fijians to open Pacific Cup defence against 'Ikale Tahi

As the Flying Fijians prepare to defend their title in the Pacific Nations Cup, they are gearing up for their opening match against Tonga in Suva this weekend.

Fiji and Japan have already qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Australia.

Fijian captain Tevita Ikanivere says they are focused and ready, and they know the 'Ikale Tahi are coming off a strong win against Manu Sāmoa last weekend, where they dominated with a 30-16 victory.

To get ready, Ikanivere says they have been holding intensive training sessions in Suva, honing their strategies and ensuring they are fully prepared for the Tongan challenge.

Ikanivere says they are committed amid the high expectations from the local fans, who expect nothing less than a victory.

"We have been working hard," he told local media. "We’ve had some great sessions working on our systems, both in attack, defence, and the set-piece to get those things right. The result will just take care of itself.”

He says the careful preparation reflects the Flying Fijians' philosophy of focusing on what they can control. The skipper believes that perfecting their approach will naturally lead to success.

Meanwhile, Tonga is determined to challenge Fiji. Ranked 19th in the world, the 'Ikale Tahi lead Pool A with four points after their impressive win over Sāmoa, who is ranked 14th.

Tonga's captain Ben Tameifuna is proud of where they stand, saying that the team features talented players from around the world.

Flying Fijians squad members Seta Tamanivalu, left, and Taniela Rakuro during a training session at Albert Park, Suva, on Monday. Photo/FRU Media

Tonga have the likes of stars Salesi Piutau, Solomone Kata, Sonatane Takulua, Augustine Pulu and Fine Inisi in their squad, which is drawn from all corners of the globe.

Despite some challenges with consistency and limited playtime this year, Tonga recently warmed up for the tournament with a victory over an out-of-season Queensland Reds outfit, just eight days before the Pacific Nations Cup kick-off against Sāmoa.

Tonga have participated in every Rugby World Cup since the first one in 1987, but have never advanced beyond the pool stage.

Tonga's assistant coach, Nili Latu, says their first priority at PNC 2025 is to continue their experience in the tournament. With limited resources and time, he tells Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle that it's important for the team to come together.

Watch highlights of Fiji and Tonga's PNC game last year.

Fijian coach Mick Byrne knows he has to prepare accordingly to match Tonga’s physical style of play.

He praises the 'Ikale Tahi's performance against Sāmoa and expects a formidable game on Saturday.

“They were speedy at the ruck; they were very physical around the ruck," Byrne told local media. "They had speed on their line speed at defence. So what they brought was what we’re preparing for, and they showed that their good players are playing well.

“We need to make sure this week we prepare ourselves exceptionally well and are ready to meet that challenge and challenge them back with what we can do.”

Tonga and Sāmoa players in a huddle after their game last weekend at Te'ufaiva Stadium. Tonga defeated Samoa 30-16. Photo/Tonga Rugby

In other results last weekend, Canada, ranked 24th in the world, upset the USA (18th) 34-20 at home in Calgary and now top Pool B, while the Tongans head Pool A.

Looking ahead, Japan (13th) will host Canada in Sendai on Saturday, while Fiji (ninth) and Tonga's match kicks off at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva from 3pm local time.

Next week, the Flying Fijians take on Manu Sāmoa in Rotorua, while the USA host Japan in Sacramento.

The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, and the playoff rounds are set to be held in the United States. Denver is hosting the semis and fifth-place playoff on 14 September, and Salt Lake City is hosting the third-place playoff and final on 20 September.