Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced the final 23-player squad for today’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) opener against Samoa, held at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. Byrne stated, “This is the best combination we can select from the Northern and Southern hemisphere players.” He noted the players have shown impressive performances in training, although the team must monitor a couple of injuries.
Byrne admitted feeling a modest amount of pressure to succeed against Samoa, acknowledging that as the defending PNC champions, the expectations are high. “It’s healthy pressure as that’s how you survive, and there’s always a little bit of nerve in the first home game,” he said. He emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring the team is prepared rather than his own nerves.
The coach expressed excitement about the Fijian Drua duo, centre Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, who are set to showcase their skills after finishing their Olympic Games sevens program. Byrne highlighted new combinations within the squad, including Inia Tabuavou in the centre alongside Masi, and the return of a fully fit Caleb Muntz. He mentioned players Vuate Karawalevu and Apisalome Vota will also take the field.
Byrne anticipates a challenging match against a strong Samoan forward pack, stating, “We know they are going to come hard, and our players enjoy physicality in the forward pack. The battle of the islands usually centers around strong forward play.” He also acknowledged the threat posed by the Samoan backline and stressed the need for his team to be well-prepared defensively. “We have to back ourselves, and it will be a great contest as we gear up for a physical battle upfront.”