After the Fiji Water Flying Fijians beat Tonga 20-36 at Churchill Park, Lautoka, followed by a good win against Manu Samoa 19-33 in Apia last weekend, Head Coach Simon Raiwalui will be looking for a clean sweep of the PNC2023 title with a win against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.
A key question – will Raiwalui select his best match-day 23 after giving several different players and combinations a run in tough Tests against Tonga and Manu Samoa so far in the PNC2023?
Will we see the likes of Fijian Drua flyhalf Teti Tela for example?
One would think that for a couple of key reasons, Raiwalui will put his best team out on the park against the Cherry Blossoms:
- To beat Japan in Tokyo will be a feather in his cap.
- Technically, Japan plays as good as many other Tier One nations so to beat them at home in Tokyo is not easy.
- It will be a big boost for Fiji going into the friendlies against France and England next up before the RWC2023.
- Raiwalui will be keen to show that Fiji’s wins in the PNC2023 so far, earning a 10th place World Rugby ranking is no fluke.
Go Fiji Go.
Meanwhile, Samoa hosts Tonga in what should be a torrid forward battle at Apia Park on Saturday with Ikale Tahi eager to steal their first win in the PNC2023.
