An outsider's guide to Tongan and Fijian rivalry (with thanks to Wikipedia)

So this weekend Fiji and Tonga will take on each other in their first round match of the 2011 IRB Pacific Nations Cup. Everyone knows that the Pacific Island rugby rivalry is amongst the fiercest in the world - and the opening match between Fiji and Tonga is one of the biggest. But Rugby is only a modern stage for a ferocious rivarly that is centuries old - and so, with apologies to our Tongan and Fijian friends who have a much greater command of their respective histories, I will try to present an abbreviated history of this great rivalry (with thanks to Wikipedia).

In the 10th Century, the Tu'i Tonga empire was established in Tonga, and included many of what are now Fijian Islands. Indeed, this Tongan influence is what is believed to have brought many Polynesian customs, languages and traditions into Fiji. In fact there remains a strong Tongan influence in Lau Group of islands (in the east of Fiji) and in particular Vanua Balavu. Although the kingdom began to decline by the 13th Century there remained a strong Tongan presence in the eastern island group of Fiji.

In the 1850's King George 1 of Tonga sent Tongan Chief Enele Ma'afu, whom he deemed a potential rival to his throne, to Fiji to organise and lead the Tongans there, under growing concerns that the Tongans in Fiji were becoming lawless and increasingly troublesome. Ma'afu based himself in Lakeba in the Lau islands where he supressed a number of religious wars and provided protection for the people of Lakeba from 'the oppressors of Bau and Somosomo'.

Ratu Seru Cakabau

Ma'afu quickly became one of the most powerful chiefs in Northern Fiji and was considered a threat to Fijian King Cakabau who feared a Tongan takeover of Fiji. In 1858, Cakabau made an offer to cede Fiji to the British Empire, in an attempt to stifle Ma'afu's expanding influence, but this was declined by the British.

Cakabau and Ma'afu duelled in a brutal struggle for power until 1871, when, extraordinarily, Ma'afu (whom by now had been declared the King of Lau) ceded to Cakabau as the King of Fiji. Ma'afu later played a leading role in the cession of Fiji to the United Kingdom in 1874, which was once again driven by King Cakabau.

It was in this period that the fierce rivalry between Fiji and Tonga was borne. Needless to say, there are thousands of stories and interpretations of this intriguing period of Fijian and Tongan history - depending on where you are sitting around the kava bowl.

Interpretations aside, one thing is certain, the battles forged in the 1800's have left an indellible mark on both countries. Today, the weapons have been put down - and replaced by rugby boots. So if you think the big hits that will be executed tomorrow are simply about Rugby....you are wrong.