Setareki Turagacoke, an 18-year-old rugby player from Fiji, has quickly gained recognition in France over the past 14 months. He made his debut in the Top 14 this year and recently earned his first test cap for the Fiji national team, the Flying Fijians.
Turagacoke got a last-minute call-up to replace the injured lock Isoa Nasilasila in a match against Spain at José Zorrilla Stadium in Valladolid, where he contributed to a 33-19 victory by scoring one of five tries.
Fiji’s head coach, Mick Byrne, emphasized the importance of maintaining patience during the game. The team was trailing 10-7 at halftime but managed to score four unanswered tries in the second half, turning the game around. Caleb Muntz converted four of the five tries scored, with contributions from teammates Sireli Maqala, Sam Matavesi, and captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
Byrne noted that the first half presented challenges with possession and execution, attributing this to early errors in ball handling and the dynamics of the game. Looking ahead, Fiji will face Ireland this Sunday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. It will be their sixth meeting, with Ireland winning all prior encounters, including a 35-17 victory in the 2022 Autumn Series.
Captain Nayacalevu praised the physical demands of Spanish rugby, reflecting on their preparation for the match, and expressed enjoyment from the experience in Valladolid.
This promising trajectory for Turagacoke and the Flying Fijians shines a light on their growth and potential, especially as they prepare to break the cycle against a strong Irish team. With determination and resilience, fans can look forward to an exciting match ahead as Fiji seeks to improve upon their previous performances against Ireland.
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