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pacific-nations-cup
HSBC SVNS series star Terio Tamani is in line to make his debut for the Flying Fijians in their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 opener against Canada, with interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula selecting three non-capped players on the bench.
Fiji they go to another Pacific Nations Cup as the defending champions, after being defeated Japan in the finals last year in Utah. The Flying Fijians also claimed silverware at the 2024 PNC, which was held in Japan.
After an 0-3 streak in July Nations Championship Tests, Fiji will look to bounce back when they take on a Canadian side who are also coming off a losing streak. Canada suffered a 45-point loss to Japan last weekend at the JFRU 100th anniversary of the match.
Tevita Ikanivere captains a Flying Fijians side that includes Peni Ravai and Mesaka Doge up front, and Mesaka Vocevoce and Temo Mayanavanu in the back row. Kitione Salawa and Motikiai Murray are the starting flanks, while Isoa Tuwai rounds out the back row as a No.8.
In the backs, Isaish Armstrong-Ravula won the race to start in the number 10 jersey, with Caleb Muntz coming off the bench in his place. Armstrong-Ravula will link up with Frank Lomani in the halves, while Tamani will provide cover as a reserve scrum-half.
Tamani has been named in the 2026 SVNS Dream Team in partnership with HSBC, alongside Fiji Sevens teammate Vuiviwa Naduvalo. Penaia Cakobau and Inoke Ravuiwasa are also in line to make their debuts for the Flying Fijians on Saturday.
Kalaveti Ravouvou starts in the halves alongside Virimi Vakatawa, who will have the experienced duo of Manasa Mataele and Joji Nasova out on the wings. Isikeli Rabitu will wear the No. 15 jersey as the starting point guard.
“They will be a very different challenge to what we faced against Japan. Japan are very well organised, hardworking and disciplined in the way they play. Fiji have that ability to call on their physical attributes and throw that ball around in a variety of ways.”
“We know they’re in a position right now with an interim head coach, we know Fiji have announced a head coach and they’ve brought in a new defense coach for this tour so I’m not sure how much impact Dave Ellis can have in a week or two with them,” Canada coach Stephen Meehan said this week.
“You always expect a free-spirited display and a challenge that comes in different ways every time you play for the Fijian team.
“There are a few things we can do to try to negate what they are, what they want to do. If we’re disciplined and stick to our plan, I think we can frustrate them for long periods of the weekend. If we can do that, we might be able to turn on our attacking game and see what we can do to disrupt them.”
“The key message from these teams is to always expect the unexpected. You have to stay diligent and disciplined in your defensive play.”
Team Fiji is playing against Canada
- Ben Ravai
- Tevita Ikanivere (c)
- Mesaka Doge
- Mesake Vocevoce
- The theme of Mayanavanu
- Kitione Salawa
- Motikiai Murray
- Big Tuwai
- Frank Roman
- Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
- Manasa Matala
- Kalaveti Ravouvou
- Virimi Wakatawa
- Joji Nasova
- Rabita srp
Substitutions
- became Cakobau*
- Meli Tuni
- Inoke Ravuiwasa*
- Isoa Nasilasila
- joseva tamani
- Terio Tamani*
- Caleb Muntz
- Tuidraki of Samusamuvodra
