Setareki Turagacoke, a rookie lock for the Flying Fijians, has high regard for Ireland’s No. 8, Caelan Doris, as the two teams prepare to face each other in an upcoming Test match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The 18-year-old, who plays for the French Top 14 club Stade Francais, recognizes Doris as one of the standout forwards in the Irish squad.
“I need to adhere to the game plan laid out by the coaches if given the opportunity against Ireland,” Turagacoke shared with SUNsports. “Ireland is a formidable opponent and will come at us strongly as they rank among the top teams globally.”
Being named on the reserve bench, Turagacoke expressed admiration for Doris’s style of play and has closely followed his career. “Our focus will be on minimizing his impact, especially with Ireland’s strength in scrummaging.”
Reflecting on his journey, Turagacoke expressed gratitude to play alongside athletes he grew up idolizing. “Representing our nation in international rugby is a dream come true. I never imagined I would be in this position while concentrating on my club career in the Top 14.”
He joined the Flying Fijians squad as a replacement for the injured Isoa Nasilasila and marked his debut with a try against Spain last Sunday in Valladolid. “The team is buzzing with excitement for this match,” he noted. “We have faith in our abilities and believe we can achieve a great result on Sunday morning (Fiji time).”
The highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 3:10 AM.
Fiji’s lineup features key players, including co-captain Waisea Nayacalevu and a strong forward pack, while Ireland will be looking to utilize their tactical depth led by captain Caelan Doris.
This matchup presents a valuable opportunity for both teams, as Fiji seeks to solidify their standing on the world stage against a top-tier opponent.
In a hopeful note, this matchup symbolizes the growth of emerging talents like Turagacoke, who are stepping into international rugby, adding excitement and fresh dynamics to the game.
Leave a comment