Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced a strong squad of 23 players for today’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) opener against Samoa at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Byrne expressed confidence in his selection, stating, “This is the best combination we can select from players in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.” He noted the team’s impressive performance in training, despite a few injury concerns that need monitoring.
The coach acknowledged the pressure to perform against Samoa, saying, “It’s healthy pressure; that’s how you survive, and there’s always a bit of nerves in the first home game.” He emphasized that his focus is on ensuring the team’s readiness rather than his own nerves.
Looking ahead to the match, Byrne highlighted the expected contributions from Fijian Drua players Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, who have recently completed their Olympic Games sevens program. He mentioned new combinations with Inia Tabuavou in the center alongside Masi, and the return of a fully fit Caleb Muntz.
The coach anticipates a tough challenge from Samoa’s formidable forward pack. “We know they are going to come hard, and our players thrive on physicality in the forwards. The battle of the islands often hinges on these strong forwards.”
Byrne also expressed caution regarding the Samoan backline, stressing the need for strong defensive strategies against their sharp plays. “We need to be well-prepared to defend against their direct lines and trust ourselves; it should be an exciting contest as we prepare for a physical battle up front.”