Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced his squad of 23 players for today’s Pacific Nations Cup opener against Samoa, taking place at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Byrne expressed confidence in the team’s selection, stating, “This is the best combination we can select around the Northern and Southern hemisphere players.” He acknowledged the team’s impressive performance in training but noted a couple of injuries to monitor.
“There is a modest amount of pressure to perform against Samoa,” Byrne stated. The Flying Fijians come into the match as the defending champions of the PNC. He remarked, “It’s healthy pressure, as that’s how you survive, and there’s always a bit of nerves in the first home game.” However, he emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring the team’s readiness rather than on personal anxiety.
Byrne is particularly eager to see the Fijian Drua pair of centre Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada take the field following their Olympic Games sevens commitments. He also mentioned the inclusion of new combinations with Inia Tabuavou in the centre alongside Masi, and the return of a fully fit Caleb Muntz. Additionally, players like Vuate Karawalevu and Apisalome Vota are expected to make impactful contributions.
The match is anticipated to be a fierce contest, especially against the robust Samoan forward pack. Byrne commented, “We know they are going to come hard, and our players like physicality around the forward pack. The battle of the islands is typically determined by the strength of the forward packs.”
He also highlighted the need to be vigilant against the Samoan backline, stating, “We have to ensure we’re prepared to defend against their strong short ball lines. We need to back ourselves, making it a great contest as we prepare for a physical battle upfront.”