Rugby hots up in Fiji for round 3

The 3rd round of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup kicks off in Lautoka- Fiji today; there will be two hot test matches at the one venue.

Lautoka is known as the sugar town in Fiji, snuggled up to the ocean this cute little place is usually basking in sun and it has a genuine friendliness about it. Being small enough that people know each other, it also has a port that makes it a tourism & export hub for business. Today though all talk and action will be on Churchill Park, as Samoa and Tonga start off the fireworks. This battle of the Island muscles will be followed by Japan vs the piping hot Junior All Blacks. 

So in a good old case of 2 for 1, the fans of rugby in Fiji and the world will receive a feast of international rugby. Looking a bit deeper at the match ups they will be two very different clashes. The Tonga vs Samoa test is like 2 heavy weight boxers about to size each other up, they are made of steel, size is not an issue (unless you are playing against them) and the collision in the forwards will be mighty. Both these sides have had one loss so far & will want to leap back onto the front foot with a win.

Japan played with gusto and spirit in their loss to Samoa; they will leave everything on the pitch tomorrow as they fire 130% at the Junior All Blacks. They lack a tad in the body size, but with hearts so large they make up for it with effort and commitment that is supreme. The Junior Ab’s will be on a roll, their match against Fiji turned out to be easier than even they anticipated, they will be trying not to get too carried away and over confident. But with man monsters scattered all through their forward pack and talent to burn in the backs, it will be very hard to not ride in on the confident bus tomorrow.

JK, John Kirwan is no slouch, he has been there and done that himself on the world rugby stage. Having spent a few seasons with Japan now his magic will be all over these men now. They have been together through their successful Asian Five Nations campaign and the gel should be right. They will gladly take the under dog tag, they will also gladly upset the Junior AB’s given half a chance.

With big tests come big refs, Jonathan Kaplin has rocked in from South Africa and he will have the whistle around his neck for the second test. This vast experience will ensure a game that flows, as well as a game that is fast. He is a no nonsense guy and he will want the match to be at full speed, if there is anything that favours the Japanese it will be this pace, these guys will run at any excuse and continue to do so into next week if a game went that long. Their fitness and willingness to have a crack will give the match a massive entertainment dosing. It will also grab them the support of the local crowd, Islanders are very vocal, this lift they give will help the Japanese in their mighty challenge and will continue to fuel their desire to compete.