Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced his strong squad of 23 players for today’s Pacific Nations Cup opener against Samoa at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Byrne expressed confidence in the team’s selection, saying, “This is the best combination we can select from both Northern and Southern hemisphere players.” He noted that the players have shown impressive performances in training, although the team is monitoring a few injuries closely.
Feeling the weight of expectation, Byrne acknowledged the pressure of securing a win against Samoa, but he framed it positively. “It’s healthy pressure as that’s how you survive, and there’s always a little bit of nerve in the first home game,” he said. He emphasized that the focus should remain on preparing the team rather than on his own nerves.
Regarding team dynamics, Byrne is eager to see Fijian Drua players Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada contribute significantly after completing their Olympic Games sevens program. He also highlighted new combinations, including Inia Tabuavou teaming up with Masi and the return of a fully fit Caleb Muntz, along with Vuate Karawalevu and Apisalome Vota making impactful plays.
Byrne anticipates a challenging encounter against a robust Samoan forward pack. “We know they are going to come hard, and our players thrive on physicality in the forward pack. The battle of the islands is usually contested by strong forward packs,” he explained. He acknowledged the threat posed by Samoa’s backline and stressed the importance of defensive preparation to counter their play. “We need to ensure we’re in good shape to defend against their aggressive lines,” he added. He concluded that the match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams gear up for a physical battle.