Tonga are flexing up in preparation for a must win matchup against Fiji in 48hrs.

In humid conditions Isatola Maka put his men through a relatively light training session this morning in Apia, with the brunt of the hard work done already this week, it was all about rhythm today.

A lot of effort was put into getting up in defence, assuring that they meet their targets on- or over the advantage line. This must have been a bit sleepy against Samoa in the last match, as today it was well and truly drummed into these men.

As the rain came down, the intensity went up as the backs and forwards were split for some technical aspects. Isatola took the pack and looking around there is no shortage prime beef in this engine room, the rough stuff will be no problem for these guys.

Practice entailed line-outs and ¾ pace moves they will employ this weekend, then they all huddled about for 5 minutes at a time nutting out all the things they need to sharpen up on. The team looks calm, there is not as much on the field chatter as some of their rival sides use, but there is plenty of grunt.

Asked how did he feel about playing Fiji this week, coach Isatola Maka said, “Well Fiji are always going to be Fiji, they are not the All blacks- they are Fiji and we will be ready”. He went on to say, “We did not come here to make up the numbers in the PNC and there is a good feeling within this side”.

The backs were running their angles and polishing their moves for Fiji, they also went into some vigorous wrestling drills. Down on their knees they had to twist and rip the ball off their opposite number. If this was not tiring enough the fitness guru then had them up and into sprint sessions as well.

These guys rip into everything, they listen well and just want to play, and from the outside they look a perfect team to coach as every word is digested.

Tonga plays Fiji this Saturday at 1pm in Apia (12 noon Sunday- Fiji time).