A much improved showing at lineout for Flying Fijians Skipper Tevita Ikanivere. He also scored the first try through a rolling maul late in the 35th minute.

The lineout mistakes started creeping back in early in the 2nd half and he was replaced by Sam Matavesi not long after.

10 carries for a tough 15 metres and 5 tackles defensively.

He now heads to Japan to join new club Honda Heat. Whether he is a available for the November tests we will have to wait and see.

Ikanivere Captained the Flying Fijians in their first test match of the season against the Wallabies. Had issues with his throwing accuracy again, costing the side crucial field position. Played the first 50 minutes, making 3 metres from 5 carries.

He was replaced by veteran Sam Matavesi who shored up the lineout issues.

Fijian Drua and Flying Fijians Captain Tevita Ikanivere’s Japanese club has been revealed – the MIE Honda Heat.

“I’m thankful and grateful to MIE Honda Heat for giving me this opportunity, my family and I are very excited about moving to Japan and being a part of the MIE Honda Heat Family. I’m looking forward to helping MIE Honda Heat try win the competition in the coming years and I am also very excited at the feeling of playing in front of an amazing Japanese crowd of fans and supporters.”

Tevita Ikanivere will captain the Flying Fijians in their opening test match of 2025 against the Wallabies in Newcastle on Sunday for the Vuvale Bowl.

After the international retirement of Waisea Nayacalevu, the captains role threw up a few candidates including veteran Sam Matavesi and Semi Radradra.