SHOCKING> Tevita Ikanivere was taken aback by Fiji’s Pacific Nations Cup captaincy call.
This year’s Pacific Nations Cup captaincy was not something Tevita Ikanivere had anticipated. When Fiji’s 30-man squad for the revamped competition was announced earlier this week, the hooker was most recently granted the honor.
The 24-year-old Ikanivere takes over as captain in place of Waisea Nayacalevu, who is unable to play for the PNC because of club obligations in France. For the same reason, other Fijian athletes have been disqualified from the competition.
It’s not as though the Flying Fijians lack celebrity, though. The national team’s squad consists of 23 members of the Fijian Drua, as well as Albert Tuisue of Gloucester Rugby and Eroni Mawi, a prop for Saracens.
Ikanivere will get support from a few tested leaders during the five-week PNC, which runs from August 23 to September 21. Peni Ravai, a former prop for the Queensland Reds, is one of the individuals that gives the team’s leadership group tremendous expertise.
Even though the seasoned front-rower freely acknowledged that he wasn’t expecting the honor, Ikanivere talked about the chance to lead “the biggest team there is in Fiji” when questioned about the leadership on Thursday afternoon.
“I want to thank coach Mick first of all for choosing me to be the captain of this tour. Fantastic honor and privilege for me; I never expected it, but I’m excited about the chance and the difficulties that lie ahead,” Ikanivere said to reporters.
“I’m looking forward to making some history with the national team, especially since there are a lot of new boys on it. It’s very exciting.”
Later in the press conference, which was broadcast by Zoom, Ikanivere said, “It’s the national team, the biggest team there is in Fiji.”
“I’m fortunate to have a strong leadership team. Albert Tuisue, Peni Ravai, Meli Derenalagi, and Temo Mayanavanua are among our group. With Eroni Mawi leading them, I think they can succeed. We have many elders who have been in two or three World Cups, and I constantly seek their advice—especially that of the coaches, who have experience.
“We all know each other well, so I don’t think it will be too hard. I’m just excited about the chance to play with the boys next week.”
Ikanivere will guide the PNC with both words and deeds. When Fiji plays historic rivals Samoa at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium in less than a week, the hooker will most likely get the start.
The Flying Fijians boasted that their last meeting with these two teams was on July 29, 2023. Ikanivere scored twice in the first half of the visitors’ away game at Apia Park in Samoa, setting the stage for a thrilling 33-19 victory.
A week prior, at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji had defeated Tonga. In Tokyo, they concluded the tournament with a decisive 35–12 victory over Japan’s Brave Blossoms. They will be favored coming into the PNC this year because of this, although Manu Samoa will demand “payback” for the loss.
I’ve been playing them for a few years, so I know it’s always a fierce, physical fight. We defeated them there last year while getting ready for the World Cup, and nobody wants to lose on their home field,” he thought.
“They’re undoubtedly coming over with the intention of exacting revenge in Suva, but I believe we’ll be prepared when they visit us next week.”