Update: Flying Fijians Abroad
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee is expected to announce his November touring squad in the coming days, and will be looking to his chargers to combine quickly as they prepare for game one of the Test Series against Scotland on November 10.
The Head Coach would have had a feast observing round 7 of France’s Top 14 last weekend, with plenty of Fiji firepower in action across the continent.
French Top 14
Peceli Yato’s Clermont hold fast in top spot of the French Top 14 table despite a 16 – 12 defeat to La Rochelle on the weekend. Yato started in the number 8 position and despite receiving a yellow card will be looking to put some solid performances on the board for Clermont as the November international window inches closer.
The topsy turnvy season for Racing 92 continues with last year’s semi finalists falling to seventh ranking. Despite the result Leone Nakarawa (5) played 80 minutes for 18 carries, 17m and 1 offload, while Ben Volavolva came off the bench at the 56th minute.
Timoci Nagusa starred and Nemani Nadolo was rested in the game of the round between Montpellier and Josua Tuisova’s Toulon. Nagusa scored in the 39th minute before sustaining a hamstring injury just 60 seconds later potentially ruling him out of the upcoming Test series. Tuisova was substituted just after half time.
Reigning champions Castres slipped out of the top 4 following a 9 – 14 defeat to Waisea Vuidravuwalu’ Stade Francais. The explosive winger was rested for the match but will be itching to contest the round 8 fixture when his side meets Montpellier and the battle of Fiji’s mega wingers Vuidravuwalu v Nadolo takes place.
In other results, Eroni Sau (USAP) and Benito Masilevu (Agen) both featured on the wings for their sides defeats to (Jale Vatabua’s) Pau and and Toulouse respectively.
Gallagher Premiership Rugby in the UK sees another battlefield for our Flying Fijian squad members as the clubs move into European Championship rounds.
Api Ratuniyarawa and Taqele Naiyaravoro both started in Northampton Saints Derby match against Leicester Tigers. Despite the Saints going down, the match drew over 40,000 fans to support the injured Australian Rob Horne.
Newcastle Falcons lost both the match and Fijian superstar Vereniki Goneva to injury in their 20 – 7 match against Sale Sharks. The match was also the return to top level rugby for controversial Australian James O’Connor who will now attempt to lift his team from bottom place in the Premiership.
Semi Kunitani’s sixth placed Harlequins went devastatingly close to clinching an upset win against second placed Saracens going down in the dying minutes 20 – 25.
Bath’s Fijian wingers Semesa Rokoduguni and Joe Cokanasiga weren’t able to produce the arsenal required to beat competition leaders Exeter Chiefs losing 24 – 39 in Bath.