HSBC SVNS Series star Terio Tamani is in line to debut for the Flying Fijians in their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 opener against Canada, with interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula selecting three uncapped players on the bench.
Fiji are going into another Pacific Nations Cup as the defending champions, having taken down Japan in the Final last year in Utah. The Flying Fijians also claimed silverware at the 2024 PNC, which was held in Japan.
Following a 0-3 run in the July Nations Championship Tests, Fiji will look to bounce back when they take on a Canadian side that’s also coming off a defeat.
Canada suffered a 45-point loss to Japan last weekend in the JFRU 100th anniversary match.
Tevita Ikanivere captains a Flying Fijians side that includes Peni Ravai and Mesaka Doge up front, and Mesaka Vocevoce and Temo Mayanavanua in the second row.
Kitione Salawa and Motikiai Murray are the starting flankers, while Isoa Tuwai rounds out the backrow as the No. 8.
In the backs, Isaish Armstrong-Ravula has won the race to the start in the No. 10 jersey, with Caleb Muntz instead coming off the bench.
Armstrong-Ravula will link up in the halves with Frank Lomani, while Tamani provides cover as the back-up scrum-half.
Tamani was named in the 2026 SVNS Dream Team of the Year in partnership with HSBC, along with Fiji Sevens teammate Vuiviwa Naduvalo.
Penaia Cakobau and Inoke Ravuiwasa are also in line to make their Flying Fijians debut on Saturday.
Kalaveti Ravouvou starts in the halves alongside Virimi Vakatawa, who will have the experienced duo of Manasa Mataele and Joji Nasova outside them on the wings. Isikeli Rabitu will wear the No. 15 jersey as the starting fullback.
“The key message with these teams is always to expect the unexpected. You must remain diligent and disciplined with your defensive game.”
