The two Pacific Island teams clash in the Tongan capital, Nuku’alofa, on Saturday in their World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup tie. With results across the 2016 and 2017 editions of the tournament set to determine the 2019 qualifiers, Fiji require just two points from their two remaining matches to book a place in Pool D as Oceania 1.
The Fijians, who have met Wales in the pool stages of the last three editions of the World Cup, are three points clear at the top of the table and still have a game to come against second placed Samoa. It is two points for a draw and four for a win.
John McKee’s men beat Italy and Scotland last month and go into the game in confident mood. They are seeking back to back titles, while a win for Tonga, who were beaten by Wales at Auckland’s Eden Park last month, are seeking a second straight win on home soil.
“We know that what really counts now is our performance going forward and although we take pats on the back for beating Scotland and Italy I’ve emphasised to the players that what’s important now is our performance this weekend,” said McKee.
“What’s always been our goal over the campaign is to gain our Rugby World Cup qualification as Oceania Number One.”
The flying Fijians famously beat Wales 38-34 in Nantes in the final round of pool matches in 2007 to reach the quarter-finals, while Wales were 66-0 victors’ in New Zealand four years later and 23-13 winners in Cardiff in 2015.
Whoever finishes second in pool will join England, France, Argentina and USA in Pool C. The third ranked team will face a cross-continental play-off with a European team and, potentially also the Repechage tournament, if they are to qualify.
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