Flying Fijians set for powerful start against Samoa
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee has named a strong and dynamic team to take on Samoa in round one of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup this Saturday at ANZ Stadi- um, Suva.
EPCR European Player of the Year Leone Nakarawa leading the forwards and Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Vereniki Goneva spearheading the backs the Fijians will be looking to make a flying start to the series.
After an intensive couple of weeks in camp, McKee is pleased with the committment to training and effort the players have put in to their preparations for this series opener.
“The boys have really gelled together across the last couple of weeks” he said
“With the quality work they’ve put onto the training pitch, it’s important we now see that trans- ferred into a strong match day performance.”
Aware of the determination Samoa will bring to battle in this series, the Fijian pack including Nakawara, Ma’afu, Viliame Mata (in his first start) and Captain Akapusi Qera will have their work cut out against the fierce Manu Samoa scrum.
But it’s the power in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians that is sure to excite local fans.
With size power and skill across the midfield and wings the combination of Goneva, Galala, Vatubua and Masilevu is set to be a menacing force for Fiji.
“The centres have been gelling really well in the short time we’ve had together and between them we’ve got the ability to play both a direct and expansive game” said McKee.
“Our Fijian fans have the opportunity to witness some truly world class players in action this weekend”.
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians have also named four debutants for Saturday’s clash with Eroni Mawi, Alivereti Veoitokani and Ratu Vere Vugatoko on the bench and rising star Sevanaia Galala earning the start at inside centre.
It will be a momentous occasion for the four young prospects and the Fijian Head Coach believes the experience around the team will provide each player with the support to make their impact on the game.
“There’s a lot of international experience in our match day squad and those boys (the debutants) will have plenty of support around them to gain confidence to perform at Test Match level”
“It’s up to each player to make the most of their opportunities when they’re presented with the white jersey.”
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians kick off the June Test Series with round one of the World Rugby Pa- cific Nations Cup versus Samoa at ANZ Stadium, Suva 3.30pm this Saturday 9th of June.
The opening match on the fixture will see Georgia v Tonga kick off at 1pm, also at ANZ Stadium, Suva. GA Tickets are available from $15 at Fiji Sports Council, the FRU Head Office at Gordon Street and online at Ticket Direct.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Team
World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup –
Round 1 Saturday 9th June, 3.30pm
ANZ Stadium, Suva
1.Campese Ma’afu
2. Talemaitoga Tuapati
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Viliame Mata
8. Akapusi Qera (C)
9. Henry Seniloli
10. Ben Volavola
11. Vereniki Goneva
12. Sevanaia Galala
13. Jale Vatubua
14. Benito Masilevu
15. Kini Murimurivalu
Reserves:
16. Ratu Vere Vugakoto
17. Eroni Mawi
18. Ropate Rinakama
19. Sikeli Nabou
20. Nemani Nagusa
21. Serupepeli Vularika
22. Alivereti Veitokani
23. Timoci Nagusa