Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced his 23-player squad for the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) against Samoa, scheduled to take place at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva today.
Byrne expressed confidence in his selection, stating, “This is the best combination we can select from the Northern and Southern hemisphere players.” He noted that the team has shown impressive performance during training, although a couple of players are dealing with injuries that will need attention.
With the role of defending PNC champions, Byrne acknowledged the pressure to perform well against Samoa. “It’s healthy pressure, as that’s how you survive, and there’s always a bit of nerves in the first home game,” he said. “This isn’t about me or my nerves, but ensuring that the team is prepared.”
The coach is eager to see the contributions of Fijian Drua players Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, who have just completed their Olympic sevens program. Byrne also mentioned the inclusion of new combinations, including Inia Tabuavou in the center along with Masi, and a fully fit Caleb Muntz. Other key players include Vuate Karawalevu and Apisalome Vota.
Byrne anticipates a tough challenge from the formidable Samoan forward pack. “We know they’re going to come hard, and our players thrive on physicality in the forward pack. The battle of the islands typically showcases strong forward confrontations,” he remarked.
He also cautioned about the strength of the Samoan backline, emphasizing the need for strong defensive preparation against their aggressive play. “We have to be in shape to defend against quick short ball lines. We need to believe in ourselves, as it promises to be a significant contest with a physical battle upfront.”