PNC Preview – Fiji vs Samoa

The 2019 Pacific Nations Cup will come to a close in Suva on Saturday as Fiji host Samoa at ANZ National Stadium. There is no possibility for either to win the competition but a clash between the two island nations is never one that needs added stakes to produce fireworks.

Fiji will be disappointed that the title has slipped through their fingers but are now fully focused on sharpening their weapons ahead of the World Cup. Only a friendly against Tonga on August 31 lies between this match and their all-important Pool D opener against Australia on September 21.

John McKee is yet to reveal his preferred XV but this lineup won’t be far off. Sam Matavesi returns at hooker with Tevita Cavubati getting his first start of the season beside Leone Nakarawa at lock. Dominiko Waqaniburotu returns to captain the side on the blindside flank with Peceli Yato named on the bench.

The first choice halfback combination of Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola are back, and they will have an explosive midfield outside them as Levani Botia partners Semi Radradra for the first time. Patrick Osborne is recalled on the left wing with European stars Vereniki Goneva and Setareki Tuicuvu fit to start at right wing and fullback respectively.

On the bench there is a first appearance in the tournament for replacement tighthead prop Kali Tawake, while Niko Matawalu again waits to add x-factor having made his return to test rugby as a replacement against Canada. Josh Matavesi looks to have settled into an inside back reserve role having also covered fullback in recent weeks.

There are no new names in the Samoan side this week but the captaincy is restored to Jack Lam, who starts on the flank. TJ Ioane moves to the back of the scrum with Piula Fa’asalele set for a spell on the sidelines with a broken wrist. Further changes up front see the first choice front row of Logovi’i Mulipola, Motu Matu’u, and Paul Alo-Emile restored with Kane Leaupepe partnering Filo Paulo in the engine room.

The revolving door at scrumhalf continues as Dwayne Polataivao is given his chance to start. UJ Seuteni takes over from AJ Alatimu at flyhalf, and Reynold Lee-Lo is recalled in the midfield at the expense of Henry Taefu. Belgium Tuatagaloa gets the start on the left wing as Alapati Leiua switches to the right.

It’s all change on he bench as the Lay brothers – Jordan and James – provide front row cover and Henry Stowers looks to win his second cap as a back row sub. Taefu is bracketed with JJ Taulagi for the final backs replacement spot, a decision to be made closer to game time.

With the Manu still hoping to add a few big names ahead of the World Cup, this remains a trial of sorts though they are inching closer to their likely World Cup configuration. Fiji, meanwhile, have all of their top starts available and have eyes on a big name upset in Japan. It’s been five years since Samoa have taken the win over the Fijians and while this should be competitive, the advantage should go to the home side based on form and available resources.

Kickoff is set for 7:15pm local time, 12:15am Pacific, 3:15am Eastern. Live broadcasts will be available on NBC Sports Gold in the USA and World Rugby’s digital media channels for those located elsewhere.

FIJI
1 Campese Ma’afu, 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Peni Ravai, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu (capt), 7 Semi Kunatani, 8 Viliame Mata, 9 Frank Lomani, 10 Ben Volavola, 11 Patrick Osborne, 12 Levani Botia, 13 Semi Radradra, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 15 Setareki Tuicuvu

Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Kali Tawake, 19 Tevita Ratuva, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Niko Matawalu, 22 Josh Matavesi, 23 Kini Murimurivalu

SAMOA
1 Logovi’i Mulipola, 2 Motu Matu’u, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 4 Filo Paulo, 5 Kane Leaupepe, 6 Chris Vui, 7 Jack Lam (capt.), 8 TJ Ioane, 9 Dwayne Polataivao, 10 UJ Seuteni, 11 Belgium Tuatagaloa, 12 Reynold Lee-Lo, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 14 Alapati Leiua, 15 Ahsee Tuala

Replacements: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Jordan Lay, 18 James Lay, 19 Senio Toleafoa, 20 Henry Stowers, 21 Pele Cowley, 22 AJ Alatimu, 23 Henry Taefu / JJ Taulagi

Date: Saturday, August 10
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Suva
Kickoff: 19:15 local (00:15 Pacific, 03:15 Eastern)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (NZRU)
Assistants: Damon Murphy (ARU) & Jordan Way (ARU)
TMO: n/a
Broadcasts: NBC Sports Gold (USA), World Rugby