Fiji, Samoa, Tonga Face Tough Rugby Tests This Weekend in Nations Championship and Cup

The top three Pasifika rugby teams are set for demanding fixtures this weekend as the Nations Championship and World Rugby Nations Cup continue. Fiji faces a stern test against England in Liverpool on Sunday. Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has opted for an experienced forward pack, including the return of veteran Levani Botia at number eight, and a six-two bench split to counter England's strength. Seruvakula stressed the importance of set pieces and accuracy, noting that their offloading game is a weapon but requires secure possession first. He acknowledged the lessons learned from their opening loss to Wales, which served as a benchmark for competing with Tier 1 nations.

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We know it's gonna be a tough competiton against the English players and we have to keep the momentum going, that's why we load the forwards with a six-two bench.

Meanwhile, Samoa will compete against Georgia in their second pool game of the World Rugby Nations Cup, also on Sunday. Tonga is scheduled to play Spain in Edmonton, Canada, in their respective Nations Cup match. These games are crucial for the Pasifika teams as they navigate the complexities of international rugby competitions, aiming to showcase their unique style of play while adapting to the strengths of their opponents. The outcomes will be closely watched by fans across the Pacific and beyond.

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The work-ons has been on set pieces. We need to do our set-pieces with accuracy and speed. We also worked on our brand of rugby but first we need to do our set pieces first before we get to play our brand of rugby.