Rookie Flying Fijians lock Setareki Turagacoke has expressed his focus on containing Ireland’s formidable No.8, Caelan Doris, in their upcoming Test match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The 18-year-old, currently playing for French Top 14 club Stade Francais, acknowledged Doris as one of the standout forwards for the Irish team and emphasized the need to adhere to the game plan devised by his coaches.
Turagacoke, who earned his spot in the squad after replacing the injured Isoa Nasilasila, reflected on his admiration for Doris’ playing style, revealing that he has closely followed the Irish player’s progression. He is determined to minimize Doris’s impact during the game, particularly noting Ireland’s strength in scrummaging.
Speaking about the significance of this opportunity, Turagacoke shared his excitement about representing Fiji on an international level. “Now we’re representing our beloved nation in international rugby,” he expressed, recalling how he previously aspired to wear the Fijian jersey while competing in domestic leagues.
Turagacoke made his Test debut just last week against Spain, where he scored a try, and he remarked on the team’s eagerness for the upcoming match against Ireland. He conveyed a strong sense of belief among the players, noting, “We all talk about having faith in this team,” as they prepare for the clash.
The match is set to kick off at 3:10 am Fiji time.
Fiji’s starting line-up includes a mix of experienced and new players, with notable names such as co-captains Waisea Nayacalevu and Tevita Ikanivere, alongside talented newcomers. The Irish team also boasts a strong squad, led by captain Caelan Doris.
In this pre-match excitement, Turagacoke’s determination and the team’s spirit reflect a bright future for Fijian rugby on the international stage, highlighting the encouraging journey of young athletes stepping up to represent their countries.
Summary: Setareki Turagacoke, an 18-year-old lock for the Flying Fijians, is set to take on Caelan Doris in an upcoming Test match against Ireland. Turagacoke, who has a deep admiration for Doris, aims to minimize the Irish player’s impact while focusing on executing his team’s game plan. Having debuted successfully against Spain, he reflects on the honor of representing Fiji and shares the team’s confidence ahead of the match. The game is poised to showcase the talent and determination of both teams.
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