Fiji v PNG preview

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Pacific nations look to impress on the international stage

This should be interesting! Whenever pacific islands battle each other in test matches, fireworks are ensured, I don't expect this game to be any different. Both sides are chock full of experience, size, speed and enthusiasm which should point to an enthralling match and excitement for the fans in attendance. Both these sides like to throw the ball around and play a little bit of "touch football" so I am predicting a close yet high scoring encounter.

Last meeting: Pacific Test 2015 - Fiji 22 PNG 10

Who to watch: For Fiji keep a close eye on one of their many big boppers Kane Evans. Evans has been in the Roosters 1st grade set up for the past few seasons and is blossoming into a very solid first grader. His immense strength and power leads him to bust the line and create opportunities when he can offload. His battle with the PNG forwards will be intriguing to watch and if the Kumuls want to come out on top in this test then they need to find a way to stop Evans' go forward.

For the Kumuls look at David Mead to have an impact from the back. The Gold Coast Titans fullback has been in great form this year and will be hoping to carry that through to the international stage. He has great pace and the metres that he gains from kick returns could make or break the PNG sets defending on where he can get them to. Mead's defence will need to be strong as well, Fiji will be attacking all night and the last ditch tackles that we have seen Mead make all throughout his career will need to be repeated if the Kumuls are to snap a 7 match winless test match streak.

The favourite: Fiji are very warm favourites to start this clash.

My tip: Hard to go past Fiji here, they have too much class all over the park compared to PNG. The Kumuls will need to play for 80 mins and capitalise on any Fijian mistakes early on to stay in this, it will be a tough assignment for them. Fiji by 14.

1. Tyrone Phillips 2. Akuila Uate 3. Sisa Waqa 4. Brayden Wiliame 5. Etuate Tamanikaitai Quionimacawa 6. Sitiveni Moceidreke 7. Maurice Kennedy 8. Kane Evans 9. James Storer 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Junior Roqica 12. Fabian Goodall 13. Eloni Vunakece
Interchange: 14. Ben Nakubuwai 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tevita Cottrell 17. Jokatama Dokonivalu 18. Ratu Jowasa Tubailagi Drodrolagi 19. Iliavi Chris Ravu 20. Iliavi Chris Ravu

1. David Mead 2. Justin Olam 3. Kato Ottio 4. Nene Macdonald 5. Stargroth Amean 6. Ase Boas 7. Watson Boas 8. Luke Page 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Henry Noki 11. Rhyse Martin 12. Rod Griffin 13. Adam Korave
Interchange: 14. Adex Wera 15. Brandy Peter 16. Willie Minoga 17. Kurt Baptiste 18. Timothy Lomai

Referee: Robert Hicks; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson