Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced his final 23-man squad for today’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) opener against Samoa at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
Byrne stated, “This is the best combination we can select, incorporating both our Northern and Southern hemisphere players.” He noted the team’s impressive performance in training but mentioned a couple of injuries that will need monitoring.
He acknowledged facing some pressure to deliver results against Samoa, remarking, “It’s healthy pressure because that’s how you survive, and there’s always a bit of nerves in the first home game.” However, he emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring the team’s readiness rather than personal nerves.
Byrne expressed excitement for the Fijian Drua duo of center Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada to showcase their skills following their commitments to the Olympic Games sevens. Additionally, Byrne mentioned new combinations featuring Inia Tabuavou alongside Masi, with Caleb Muntz returning to full fitness. Players Vuate Karawalevu and Apisalome Vota are also set to take the field.
Byrne anticipates a challenging match against a strong Samoan forward pack, stating, “We know they are going to come hard. Our players thrive on physicality in the forward pack. The battle of the islands often hinges on the strength of the forward packs.”
He also emphasized the need to stay vigilant against the Samoan backline, highlighting the importance of defending against their strong short ball plays. “We need to ensure we’re in good shape to defend and trust ourselves as we prepare for a physically demanding contest upfront.”