Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced a robust squad of 23 players for today’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) opener against Samoa at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Byrne expressed confidence in the selection, stating, “This is the best combination we can select from both Northern and Southern hemisphere players.”
He noted that the team has shown significant promise in training, despite a couple of injuries that need to be monitored. Byrne mentioned experiencing some pressure to deliver against Samoa, saying, “It’s healthy pressure as that’s how you survive, and there’s always a little bit of nerves in the first home game.” He emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring that the team is prepared.
Byrne is particularly keen on seeing the Fijian Drua pair, centre Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, take the field following their participation in the Olympic Games sevens. He has also incorporated new combinations, including Inia Tabuavou in the centre alongside Masi, and a fully fit Caleb Muntz returning to the lineup.
The coach anticipates a tough challenge from Samoa, particularly from their strong forward pack. “We know they are going to come hard, and our players embrace physicality. The battle of the islands is often determined by the strength of the forward packs.” Byrne added that the Flying Fijians are also cautious of Samoa’s backline and must be ready to defend against their aggressive plays. He reiterated the importance of confidence in their game, stating, “It’ll be a great contest as we prepare for a physical battle upfront.”