Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced his 23-player lineup for today’s Pacific Nations Cup opener against Samoa, taking place at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Byrne expressed confidence in the selection, stating, “This is the best combination we can select around the Northern and Southern hemisphere players.” He noted the players have performed well during training, despite a few injuries that need monitoring.
The coach admitted feeling a certain degree of pressure to secure a win against Samoa, emphasizing, “It’s healthy pressure as that’s how you survive. There’s always a little bit of nerves in the first home game.” He added that his focus is on ensuring the team is fully prepared.
Looking ahead, Byrne highlighted the contributions expected from Fijian Drua players Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, following their participation in the Olympic Games sevens program. He also mentioned the importance of new partnerships on the field, including Inia Tabuavou alongside Masi and the return of a fully fit Caleb Muntz.
Byrne anticipates a fierce contest against a robust Samoan forward pack, recognizing the physicality typically seen in matches between the island nations. He underscored the need for strong defensive strategies against the Samoan backline, stating, “We have to be in good shape to defend against the hard short ball lines. It’ll be a great contest as we prepare for a physical battle upfront.”