Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced his roster of 23 players for the Pacific Nations Cup opener against Samoa at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium today. He expressed confidence in the selection, stating, “This is the best combination we can select from our Northern and Southern hemisphere players.” Byrne noted that the team has shown great promise in training, although they are monitoring a few injuries.
Acknowledging the pressure that comes with the game, Byrne said he feels a modest amount of stress to perform against Samoa. As the defending champions of the PNC, he described this pressure as healthy, emphasizing its importance in a first home game.
Byrne is eager to see the Fijian Drua players, center Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, showcase their skills after their involvement in the Olympic Games sevens tournament. He mentioned the introduction of new combinations, including Inia Tabuavou alongside Masi and a fully fit Caleb Muntz.
The coach highlighted the strength of the Samoan forward pack, anticipating a tough challenge ahead. He stated, “We know they are going to come hard, and our players thrive on the physicality of the forward pack.” Byrne also expressed concern for Samoa’s backline, asserting the need for a strong defense against their attacking strategies.
With the anticipation of a physical clash upfront, Byrne is focused on ensuring his team is ready for an intense contest.