Tongans plan to invade Churchill Park

June 20, 2012 | Filed under: Fiji Sports | Posted by:

Ilaisa Ma’asi (left) and Sione Vaimounga cooling off at the Mercure Hotel in Nadi yesterday. Photo: ANA MADIGIBULI

By LITIA MATHEWSELL

The Ikale Tahi Tongans are working out a number of options to shut the Flying Fijians out at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
The Tongans led by French-based Taniela Moa yesterday went through another torrid training session under the watchful eyes of assistant coach Chris Hickey.
Moa a former Auckland Blues halfback is going to play a crucial role as the Tongans plan to vary their style of play  in order contain the Fijians.
Hickey said his players were on track with their preparation and they are hoping for a repeat of last year’s 45-21 win over Fiji.
“The Fijians play a running game and defence is very important for this game, so that’s where our focus is,” he said.
“We’ll make sure we put the pressure on them because we know they like a running game and if we let them run, it’ll be a hard day at work.
‘’I know Fiji is looking for a win for their country and their fans and so do we.”
Hickey has taken charge after Tongan coach and former Wallaby No.8 Toutai Kefu could not make the trip to Fiji because of a commitment in Japan.
“Even though Kefu is not here we need to move on and that is the way rugby is. We are here to do a job. It’s the last game and Tonga needs to put that ball on the line.’’
The game kicks off at 3.30pm.

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