Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced a robust squad of 23 players for the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) opener against Samoa, taking place today at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. Byrne emphasized that this selection represents the best blend of players from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
“The team has been impressive during training, although we do have a couple of injuries to monitor,” he stated. Byrne acknowledged that there is a fair amount of pressure to perform against Samoa, but he views it as a positive challenge. “It’s healthy pressure because that’s how you thrive. There’s always a bit of nervousness in the first home game,” he remarked. He emphasized that the focus should be on preparing the team rather than on individual nerves.
Byrne expressed anticipation for the Fijian Drua pair, center Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, to contribute significantly on the field now that they have completed their Olympic Games sevens commitments. The team will also feature new combinations, including Inia Tabuavou in the center alongside Masi, while Caleb Muntz has recovered from injury and is fit to play. Other notable players include Vuate Karawalevu and Apisalome Vota.
The coach is well aware of the formidable challenge posed by the Samoan forward pack. “We know they will come hard at us, and our players thrive on physicality in the forward areas. The battle of the islands typically showcases strong forward contests,” he noted. Additionally, Byrne is cautious about the Samoan backline, emphasizing the need for solid defense against their aggressive short ball tactics. “We need to be prepared to defend well while also having confidence in our play. It promises to be a great contest and a physically intense battle upfront.”