Preview: Fiji v Tonga

PASIFIKA CHALLENGE: Fiji coach John McKee has named an experienced side to take on Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday.

In-form Hooker Sam Matavesi joins experienced Props Campese Ma'afu and Kalivati Tawake in the front row, while Tevita Cavubati and Leone Nakarawa partner at the Locks.

Skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Semi Kunatani are on the flanks, while Peceli Yato starts for the first time at No.8 this season.

In the backs, Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola maintain their places at scrumhalf and at No.10.

McKee has named a powerful centre combination of Levani Botia and Semi Radradra at No.12 and No.13 respectively.

Vereniki Goneva and Josua Tuisova are on the wings while Alivereti Veitokani is at fullback.

"I am very pleased to be able to announce a very strong line-up to play Tonga in our final Test Match before we travel to Japan for World Cup 2019," McKee said

"Our preparation since the 1st of July has been all about the World Cup, but when the Fiji team crosses the white line on Saturday this match will be about nothing other than Fiji versus Tonga," McKee added.

"We know Tonga will bring a lot of physicality in attack and defence in this match.

"Our players know they will have to stand up in this physical contest to be successful in the outcome of this match."

He said it is also important for the team to build their momentum towards the World Cup from the match this weekend.

"Players know that they have been given a great opportunity with this selection, to play well and put themselves in contention for selection in our opening World Cup match against Australia," McKee added.

Sione Kalamafoni is poised to play his first test for Tonga in more than three years, after being named in the match-day squad.

The 31-year-old loose forward earned the last of his 31 test caps for the 'Ikale Tahi in June 2016 and was ruled out of the Pacific Nations Cup through injury.

However, the Leicester Tigers back row forward has proved his fitness at the optimum time.

Stade Francais prop Siegfried Fisi'ihoi starts alongside hooker Paul Ngauamo and Siua Halanukonuka in the front row, in what will be his first test appearance of 2019.

Meanwhile Brumbies prop Vunipola Fifita is set to make his Test debut off the bench.

In the backs, James Faiva is once again given the nod at flyhalf, with veteran Kurt Morath included on the bench ahead of Latiume Fosita.

Teams:

Fiji: 15 Alivereti Veitokani, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Levani Botia, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Peceli Yato, 7 Semi Kunatani, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Kalivati Tawake, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Campese Ma'afu.

Replacements: 16 Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Tevita Ratuva, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Waisea Nayacalevu.

Tonga: 15 David Halaifonua, 14 Atieli Pakalani, 13 Siale Piutau (captain), 12 Cooper Vuna, 11 Viliami Lolohea, 10 James Faiva, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Maama Vaipulu, 7 Fotu Lokotui, 6 Steve Mafi, 5 Leva Fifita, 4 Sam Lousi, 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 2 Paul Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi.

Replacements: 16 Sosefo Sakalia, 17 Vaea Fifita, 18 Ma'afu Fia, 19 Zane Kapeli, 20 Sione Kalamafoni, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Kurt Morath, 23 Mali Hingano.

Date: Saturday, August 31

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Kick-off: 16.30 (16.30 Fiji time; 17.30 Tonga time; 04.30 GMT)

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Cam Stone (New Zealand)

TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)