Toshiba Brave Lupus’ League One winner and MVP Richie Mo'unga presented the Fiji team with their jerseys on Friday for their Pacific Nations Cup semi-final clash against USA in Tokyo on Saturday.
The moment was extra special for the 30-year-old former Crusaders and All Blacks star as the Flying Fijian’s starting line-up includes his highly-regarded nephew Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Mo'unga, who recently returned to Tokyo alongside teammate and countryman Shannon Frizell to start their pre-season in Fuchu, said: “Special moment for my family presenting Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula with his Fiji Test jersey for his match v USA. Proud to see you doing your thing nephew.”
Fiji Rugby Union posted on Instagram: “Honoured to have had Fiji Rugby General Manager High Performance BJ Mather as well as former Crusaders & All Blacks first five-eight Richie Mo’unga grace the FIJI Water Flying Fijians with their presence this evening.”
Armstrong-Ravula, 20, has retained his full-back berth after making his full debut for his country in their commanding 50-19 win over Tonga in Nuku’alofa.
The New Zealand-born Fijian Drua starlet made 14 appearances for his club side in the Super Rugby Pacific last season and scored 106 points.
Unbeaten Fiji brushed aside Samoa and Tonga with little resistance to win Pool A and book a last-four meeting with the Eagles who finished second in Pool B after beating Canada and finishing second best against Japan a week ago.
Fiji have lit up the rebranded tournament with their trademark attacking flair and are heavy favourites to book a place in next week’s Grand Final in Osaka against the winners of Sunday’s semi-final between hosts Japan and Pool A runners-up Samoa.
Head coach Mick Byrne, who previously coached Armstrong-Ravula at the Drua, has been encouraged by the depth Fiji now possesses with Caleb Muntz, 24, and Armstrong-Ravula both vying for the number 10 jersey.
“Isaiah is a great young player and as a great 10 he reads the game well. And just like any number 10 that shifts to fullback, they know what the 10s are looking for, so they’re able to fill the space very quickly,” Byrne explained.
“When they go back to 15, they have an awareness of what the opposite 10 is trying to do, which helps. His ability to read the game well will be crucial for us.”
Byrne has made four changes for the clash at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium.
Isoa Nasilasila replaces Mesake Vocevoce in the second row while Kitione Salawa takes over from Elia Canakaivata at openside-flanker as the latter moves to the number eight jersey in place of Albert Tuisue.
Top 14 stalwart Adrea Cocagi received a four-match ban for dangerous play against Tonga a week ago and is replaced at inside centre by former Racing 92 star Inia Tabuavou who will join the Drua next season on a two-year deal.
Pacific Nations Cup Broadcasters:
Fiji
FBC Sports
Fiji & Pacific Islands DIGICEL NZ Sky USA Peacock LAT AM & Caribbean ESPN/DISNEY+
Japan J SPORTS
Canada
TSN
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