Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced a strong lineup of 23 players for today’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) opener against Samoa at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Byrne emphasized that this selection represents the best possible combination of players from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. He noted that the squad has shown impressive performances in training but that they are monitoring a few players due to injuries.
He acknowledged feeling a certain amount of pressure to secure a victory against Samoa, stating, “It’s healthy pressure as that’s how you survive, and there’s always a little bit of nerve in the first home game.” However, Byrne stressed that the focus should be on ensuring the team is prepared rather than on his own nerves.
The Flying Fijians enter the tournament as the defending PNC champions. Byrne expressed his eagerness to see the Fijian Drua duo of center Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada take the field following their participation in the Olympic Games sevens program.
He also mentioned new combinations in the lineup, including Inia Tabuavou in the center alongside Masi, with Caleb Muntz returning fully fit. Players Vuate Karawalevu and Apisalome Vota were highlighted as key contributors.
Byrne forewarned of a tough encounter ahead, as they anticipate a strong challenge from the Samoan forward pack. He stated, “We know they are going to come hard, and our players like physicality around the forward pack. The battle of the islands is usually a contest between the strong forward packs.”
Furthermore, he acknowledged the threats posed by the Samoan backline, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to defend against aggressive plays. He concluded that the match promises to be a great contest, focusing on a physical showdown up front.