Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has announced his squad of 23 players for today’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) opener against Samoa at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Byrne expressed confidence in the team, stating, “This is the best combination we can select considering the players from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.” He noted that the players have shown impressive form during training, although a few injuries are being monitored.
The coach acknowledged feeling a degree of pressure to secure a victory against Samoa, remarking, “It’s healthy pressure as that’s how you survive, and there’s always a bit of nerves with the first home game.” He emphasized that his focus is on ensuring the team is fully prepared for the match.
Looking ahead, Byrne is eager to see the performance of Fijian Drua players Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, who have just completed their Olympic Games sevens commitments. Additionally, he mentioned new combinations in the team, including Inia Tabuavou in the center alongside Masi, and the return of Caleb Muntz from injury.
Byrne expects a tough contest against a robust Samoan forward pack, stating, “We know they are going to come hard, and our players thrive on physicality in the forward pack. The battle of the islands depends on the strength of the forward packs.”
He also indicated that the team must remain vigilant against the Samoan backline, saying, “We need to ensure we’re prepared to defend against their hard short ball lines and trust ourselves in the play. It’s going to be a great contest, especially with the physical battle anticipated upfront.”