13 December, 2025, 4:10 pm Central - 25°C Rain

Flying Fijians looking forward to their first test match of 2023 on their road to RWC

Flying Fijians looking forward to their first test match of 2023 on their road to RWC

By Mosese Raqio
17/07/2023
[Photo: Fiji Rugby]

The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are looking forward to their first test match of 2023 as they gear up for their preparation for this weekend’s round 1 of the Pacific Nations Cup clash against Tonga.

After the impressive 27-21 win over Australian A by the Ikale Tahi side, the Flying Fijians will not take this weekend’s match-up lightly knowing the threats the Tongans will bring into the game.

Coach Simon Raiwalui now has a daunting task to try and select a side to face Tonga at home as they try and kick start their road to the Rugby World Cup on a high note.

It will also be baptism of fire for most players who have not earned themselves a test cap yet as they will get a chance to experience what the atmosphere of international rugby will be like if they get selected into the match day 23 squad this week, and also will experience what it will be like playing against another Pacific Island team.

On the other hand, the Tongans will want to keep their winning momentum going again this weekend and will bank on the services of former Wallabies star Israel Folau and also former All Blacks stars like Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau and Vaea Fifita to help them with their objective.

The Flying Fijians will take on Tonga at 3pm Saturday in Lautoka. In another PNC clash this weekend, Japan will host the Manu Samoa at 5.50pm Saturday.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Low chance of TD03F forming into Tropical Cyclone within 24 to 48 hours
The potential for Tropical Disturbance TD03F to develop into a Tropical Cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours is low.The Nadi Weather Office says the...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
‘Zootopia 2’ crosses US$1 billion globally
“Zootopia 2” is racing past US$1 billion globally after 17 days of release, becoming the fastest PG film to ever cross the coveted box office ...
22 minutes ago

Canada reaffirms Pacific commitment with launch of Fiji Assistive Technology Hub
The Government of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific with the launch of Fiji’s National Assistive Technology Hub in Suva.The ...
24 minutes ago

SODELPA expresses shock after FICAC charge Tanya Waqanika
The Social Democratic Liberal Party says they are shocked that one of their former party members has been charged by FICAC for allegedly opposing ...
1 hour ago

Ro Veidovi laid to rest in Muaiqele after 185 years
After 185 years, Ro Veidovi Logavatu's ashes have now been laid to rest at his village sacred burial ground known as Muaiqele. His ashes were ...
2 hours ago

Yavusa Burenivalu ready to bury remains of Ro Veidovi
The Yavusa Burenivalu are ready to bury the ashes of Ro Veidovi Logavatu, who was taken to the US in 1840 accused of murdering at least ten American ...
2 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
1 day ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
1 day ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
5 days ago

TOP