Mick Byrne, head coach of the Flying Fijians, has announced a robust lineup of 23 players for the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) opener against Samoa, taking place at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Byrne expressed confidence in the selection, stating it reflects the best combination of players from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
He noted the team’s impressive performance during training sessions but acknowledged a few injury concerns that require monitoring. Byrne mentioned the healthy pressure he feels to deliver a strong performance against Samoa, highlighting the nerves that typically accompany a team’s first home match.
The Flying Fijians enter the tournament as the defending champions. Byrne emphasized that his focus is on ensuring the team’s readiness rather than on personal nerves.
Looking ahead, Byrne is eager to see the Fijian Drua pair of Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada take the field following their commitments to the Olympic Games sevens program. New combinations in the squad include Inia Tabuavou joining Masi in the center, and a fully fit Caleb Muntz returning to the lineup. Additionally, players such as Vuate Karawalevu and Apisalome Vota are anticipated to make significant contributions.
Byrne is bracing for a tough contest against a formidable Samoan forward pack, recognizing the physical nature of this traditional rivalry. He emphasized the importance of defending against Samoa’s aggressive play while also backing his team’s capabilities. The matchup promises to be a fierce battle, particularly in the forward pack as the teams prepare for an intense physical showdown.