THE Fiji Bati is bracing for a ferocious attack from the Mate Maa Tonga in the one-off Test match at Teufaiva Stadium in Nukualofa this afternoon.

Coach Arthur Kitinas has named seven overseas-based players in what is his best available outfit to take on the home side running high on a win over the Junior Kangaroos.

Nadera Panthers playmaker Waisale *** will lead the team and is assisted by Wise Kativerata in the forwards.

Overseas-based players in the team include Canterbury Bulldogs centre Namila Davui, West Tigers winger Sam Tora, big Puna Rasaubale of Sydney Bulls and former Rabittohs Kativerata.

Kitinas has named a relatively experienced bench with Parramatta Eels player James Storer and West Tigers stars Netani *** and Eroni Vunakece.

Fiji Bati manager Rusiate Ratakele said the home team would be fired up with the presence of Princess Pilolevu, the daughter of the late Tongan king.

"They will be a different team from the one we beat during the World Cup qualifiers," Ratakele said.

"But our players are ready for the challenge. Kitinas went through a detailed game plan with the boys during the afternoon session today (yesterday) so the players are aware of their responsibilities on the field.

"The players have been reminded to stay focused and remain disciplined."

Ratakele said Fiji wont lack the support with the Fijian community to cheer the boys on.

"Bau chief Ratu George Kadavulevu Cakobau addressed the players and told them of the importance of the game and what it means for the people of Fiji," he said.

Fijis interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama is expected to watch the match on the invitation of Princess Pilolevu.

The match kicks off at 3.30pm (Fiji time).

Fiji Bati:1. Tomujani Koroi, 2. Meli Ravai, 3. Sevanaia Koroi, 4. Namila Davui, 5. Sam Wara, 6. Alipate Tani, 7. Waisale *** (Capt.), 8. Puna Rasaubale, 9. Asaeli Saravaki, 10. Neuri Kurimaliwai, 11 Semisi Tora, 12. Jone Waisale, 13. Waisea Kativerata. (v/Capt).

Reserves: James Storer, Josua Koroibuli, Netani ***, Eroni Vunakece, Josateki Ravueta, Malakai Tuiloa.

THE Fiji Bati side slumped to a 12-14 loss to Mate Ma'a Tonga in a one-off Test match at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, yesterday.

Fiji Bati team manager Rusi Ratakele said an intercept try five minutes from fulltime gave the home team the win.

"We were leading 12-10 with five minutes to go when they intercepted a pass to score in the corner," Ratakele said from the Tongan capital.

"It was a hard and physical match and the coach (Arthur Kitinas) was happy with the performance of the boys.

"The match served as a good build-up to the world cup next year."

Fiji took a 4-0 lead at the breather after Canterbury Bulldogs centre Namila Davui scored the only points of the half.

The home side hit back with two tries, one of which was converted, to lead 10-4.

Fiji winger Sam Wara, who plays his trade with the West Tigers, scored two tries to give the Bati a 12-10 lead before the Tongan intercept.

The Bati side can be proud of themselves for keeping the experienced Tongan side scoreless for the first half.

Ratakele said most of the Tongan players were part of the National Rugby League competition in Australia.

The same Tongan side had hammered the Junior Kangaroos 44-10 last week.

"Our defence stood out tall in the first half and that was shown when we kept the Tongans at bay," Ratakele said.

Ratakele said interim Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama visited the team before and after the match.

"He really boosted the morale of the players and they gave their all this afternoon.

"It was a wonderful game of physical power and strength from both teams." The team arrives home at 11.30am today.

sounds like a good game. Do you have a size on the crowd?

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