The Bati head into the Pacific Championships on a high after a stellar showing at last year's World Cup where they eventually bowed out in an epic quarter-final against New Zealand.
After a first-up loss to Australia, big wins over Italy and Scotland propelled Fiji into the quarters where they led 18-6 early in the second half and pushed the Kiwis to the brink before succumbing 24-18.
Five members of the starting side from that game in Hull are back in Fiji colours for this clash, including Panthers flyer Sunia Turuva and new captain Tui Kamikamica but star hooker Api Koroisau (calf) is unavailable while rising Rooster Siua Wong has been chosen to play for Tonga.
Cook Islands found the going tough in a 46-10 loss to the Kumuls on Sunday but they'll be all the better for the run and will look to hit back hard.
A slow start proved costly for Brad Taikarangi's men with three tries conceded in the first 15 minutes so they will need to muscle up in defence early to avoid a similar scenario this weekend.
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Team News
Fiji: Dally M rookie of the year Sunia Turuva will play centre with experienced duo Maika Sivo and Mikaele Ravalawa on the wings. Wests Tigers young gun Jahream Bula makes his Test debut at fullback with his club teammate Brandon Wakeham in the No.7 in his eighth Test for the Bati. Storm big man Tui Kamikamica takes over as captain from Kevin Naiqama. Experienced Rabbitoh Taane Milne lines up for his 11th Test as part of a forward pack that includes debutants Gordon Whippy (Ipswich Jets), and Kitione Kautiga (Bulldogs) and Caleb Navale (Sea Eagles).
Cook Islands: Esan Marsters moves to halfback in place of Tevin Arona (facial fracture) and Alvin Maungaati comes into the centres. William Samuel comes in at prop in place of Makahesi Makatoa, who suffered a suspected pectoral injury against the Kumuls. Back-rower Reuben Porter ran for 152 metres against the Kumuls and will again look to lead the way alongside Davvy Moale and Zane Tetevano. The new 18th Man is Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano.
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Stat Attack
- Sunia Turuva scored a double on Test debut for Fiji against PNG in 2022 and has three tries in five Tests for Fiji.
- Fiji and Cook Islands have clashed 11 times with the Bati holding a 6-5 advantage. Their last meeting was in 2009 in Port Moresby.
- Akuila Uate holds the record for most tries in Tests for Fiji with 14.