A century of clashes between Tonga and Fiji

Friday's Pacific Nations Cup clash between Tonga and Fiji will undoubtedly be one to remember The 'Ikale Tahi of Tonga and the Flying Fijians will lock horns for a memorable 95th time, celebrating all while celebrating a century of test rugby between the two proud nations.

The rivalry between the two Pacific nations dates back as far as 1924, when they first met each other  on the rugby field.

Fiji arrived at Tonga's Fua'amotu International on Wednesday, well after Tonga, who returned over the weekend after from home after a bruising defeat in Samoa.

The two teams are set to battle for top spot and both the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) and the Fijian community in the Tongan capital are excited for what will be an intense battle

TRU chief executive Aisea 'Aholelei said the Pacific Nations Cup rugby battle is a key event they are all looking forward to, especially as the centennial celebration continues.

"Preparation has been good. We have obviously trying to make sure that all the other stuff for the game is on point and ready to go on Friday," he said.

"Obviously, it is big occasion for Tonga. It is 100 years of celebrations for the game with Fiji and also the Fijians have not been here almost seven years.

"Since that time, Fiji have really improved a lot and have become a tier one nation. To have a tier one nation here in itself is massive.

"The two nations are historically close through culture and I am sure that everybody will turn up for this game, because of how the nations are so closely tied up, and also the great occasion of having the Flying Fijians here in Tonga."

Fijian community president in Tonga, Jokini Sivo, said they are ready to welcome the team.

"The atmosphere within the Fijian community here in Tonga is a mix of motions, excitement and anticipation as the big games approaches on Friday," the Toloa College teacher said.

"Rugby holds a special place in our hearts, especially the Pacific Islanders, and major games have a significant effect for us.

"Given the strong cultural and historic ties between Fiji and Tonga, the Fijian community is gathering support for the team."

He said both teams have prepared for the clash and he believes it will be a tough battle.

Sivo, who is married to local teacher Kalo, who is from the island of Ha'apai, is torn between his home team and his wife's national team.

"I'd expect a very close game," he said.

"To predict a winner, it will be very tough, as both sides will be preparing to come out on top.

"The game is expected to be highly competitive and the outcome can go either way.

"The Fijian team is known for their flair and agility and that could give them the edge but for Tonga, playing at home, they will be giving their best."

'Aholelei said the Flying Fijians will be clear favourites.

The Fijians defeated Manu Samoa 42-16 in Suva three weeks ago in the first game and last week Manu Samoa hammered Tonga 43-17 in Apia.

Tonga needs a win to remain in contention for a top spot in the Pacific pool.

The two top teams after this weekend's clash will advance to the semi-finals in Tokyo next weekend.

'Aholelei said the 'Ikale Tahi are rebuilding, with new players and a new coaching team.

"We can only take things by what's, what's happened in the past, and past results," he said.

"Obviously on our side of things the 'Ikale Tahi are a new team, with new staff and players.

"Things have been rough and haven't gone their way. Obviously, they're trying to close the gaps and make sure that fundamentals, both on and off the field, are covered before we expect any big results.

"The Flying Fijians are now a Tier One nation and they can take any top team on.

"For the 'Ikale Tahi it's more like hoping for the best with what they have at hand, and just taking everything that they have that can help them and making sure that they utilize that on the game day."

Crown Prince Tupouto'a, next in line to the throne in the Kingdom of Tonga, will be at the big rugby clash.

The two teams will kick-off their battle at 3pm Tonga time, in front of what is expected to be a vocal and packed Te'ufaiva crowd.

Meanwhile, Japan and the United States of America will battle in the Asia Pool decider to determine who tops the pool.

Both teams have qualified for the semi-finals.