The waiting is almost over for the Fiji and Tonga Under 20s, who begin their bid for promotion from the World Rugby Junior Trophy early tomorrow morning.
Fiji are favourites to return to their top tier, having been relegated from last year's Under 20 World Cup, while Tonga were beaten by Japan in last year's second tier final.
The captains of all eight teams competing in the World Rugby Junior Trophy in Portugal, including Fiji and Tonga. Photo: World Rugby
Both teams participated in the Australian Under 20 Championships as preparation.
Fiji play hosts Portugal first up in Pool A, which also includes Georgia and Uruguay.
The Fiji Under 20s training in Lisbon at the World Rugby Junior Trophy. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Head coach Bill Gadolo has a fair idea what they expect to come up against.
"We just have footage from Junior World Trophy last year and we know these are very good sides - especially in the set pieces - and we know this team against us will come all day and maul all day and we have been preparing our ways to be able to win the ball and maintain possession and also get some points in the end".
Meanwhile Tonga open their campaign in Pool B against Hong Kong, with Canada and Namibia also in their group.
The Tonga Under 20s train in Lisbon at the World Rugby Junior Trophy. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
