Rookie lock Setareki Turagacoke of the Flying Fijians emphasizes the importance of monitoring Ireland’s No.8, Caelan Doris, ahead of their upcoming clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The young player, who has just turned 18 and currently plays for Stade Francais in the French Top 14, acknowledged Doris as one of Ireland’s standout forwards.
Turagacoke, who is poised to stick to the game plan laid out by the coaching staff if given the opportunity to play, cautioned that the Irish team will be a formidable opponent. “They are one of the best teams in the world and will come at us hard,” he noted.
Despite being named on the reserve bench, Turagacoke expressed his admiration for Doris’ playing style and shared his aspiration to excel on the field. “We’ll do our best to close any gaps he might exploit,” he said, acknowledging Ireland’s strength in scrummaging.
Reflecting on his journey, Turagacoke shared how surreal it feels to represent Fiji on the international stage alongside players he grew up watching on television. He was selected for the squad as a replacement for the injured Isoa Nasilasila and made an impressive debut last Sunday in Valladolid, where he scored a try against Spain.
“The excitement among the players is palpable,” he stated, as the team looks forward to Saturday’s match (Sunday morning, Fiji time). “We all believe in this team, and I think we will secure a win.”
The match is set to kick off at 3:10 am Fiji time, and fans are eager to see how the Flying Fijians perform against a strong Irish side.
The line-ups for both teams have been established, with notable players from both sides taking to the field, and the match will be officiated by referee Hollie Davidson from Scotland, along with assistant referees from England and Scotland.
This upcoming match represents not just a challenge for the Flying Fijians but also an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage. As rivalries build in international rugby, this test could be a defining moment for Turagacoke and his teammates, inspiring young athletes back in Fiji to dream big in sports.
The Flying Fijians’ resilience and determination will be key as they face one of the world’s top teams, highlighting the spirit of rugby that connects and inspires nations.
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