'Ikale Tahi

Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup series opener between Samoa and Tonga will set the tone for both teams as they chase qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Mick Byrne is expecting a tougher Pacific Nations Cup series this year, with the event doubling as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The Tonga rugby team will be prioritising a strong outing at the Pacific Nations Cup series in July, with hopes of securing direct entry to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The Pacific's top three playing rugby teams will all be featuring in Tokyo this weekend, as the 2024 PNC moves to the Land of the Rising Sun.

The Flying Fijians continued with their winning streak against the 'Ikale Tahi after they discarded the hosts infront of 4000 home fans to finish top of the Pacific pool on Friday.

The two camps have named their match-day 23, with changes announced in their starting XVs for Friday's Pacific Nations Cup battle.

The match between the 'Ikale Tahi and the Flying Fijians in Nuku'alofa will be the main event in the 100-year anniversary celebrations of Test rugby between the two nations.