18 Jun 2016

Sport:Fiji-Samoa seek spot in 2019 World Cup

10:53 am on 18 June 2016

Fiji can take a major step towards qualifying for the next Rugby World Cup with a win over Samoa this evening.

The Flying Fijians came from behind to edge Tonga 23-18 in last week's Pacific Nations Cup opener, while the Manu drew 19-all against Georgia in Apia.

The top two teams in the PNC over the next two years will earn a spot in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Fiji coach John McKee said that means every match is crucial.

"It's a massive incentive for us with that on the line for this game, knowing that next year we will in all likelihood have to go and play Samoa up in Samoa."

"You don't want to be going up there looking for a win to secure your qualification. I'd like to try yo get it reasonably secured this year."

"We really want to target finishing Pacific number one - we feel there's a possibility you might get a slightly better pool draw in the Rugby World Cup in that Pacific number one position, " he said.

Fiji and Tonga during the Pacific Nations Cup opener in Suva.

Fiji and Tonga during the Pacific Nations Cup opener in Suva. Photo: Facebook / Fiji Rugby

Manu Samoa have added some experience with Tusi Pisi back steering the ship at first five and Sakaria Taulafo and Faifili Levave included up front.

Hooker Motu Matu'u says, even with out Nemani Nadolo, Fiji have game-breakers all over the park and it won't be easy taking on the hosts in front of their home crowd.

Fiji is known for its running rugby and Matu'u says Samoa is also trying to develop a more expansive game.

"The management have really got stuck into their work and tried to upskill the majority of the local players and the players that have come from overseas of the way the rugby is played in the southern hemisphere."

"That's all about a real fast, real high-tempo game...Everybody knows Manu Samoa is a physical team but we've got to actually try and find different ways that we can actually become physical and also play a lot smarter as well, so I think with adding flair and the physicality together, " he said.

Meanwhile Tonga are also in action today in the early kick-off at ANZ Stadium against Georgia.

Tusi Pisi and Census Johnston are back in the Manu Samoa matchday squad.

Tusi Pisi and Census Johnston are back in the Manu Samoa matchday squad. Photo: PHOTOSPORT