Fiji reveal squad for #RWC challenge
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui named his squad Tuesday for next month’s World Cup but warned his in-form side they would face a big test of their credentials in warm-up matches against France and England.
The high-flying Fijians brushed aside Japan 35-12 in Tokyo at the weekend for a third straight Test victory, after seeing off Tonga and Samoa in previous weeks.
The run has seen them move back into World Rugby’s top 10 rankings for the first time since 2019.
But they face stiffer tests on August 19 against France, the World Cup hosts, in Nantes and seven days later against England at Twickenham.
Fiji will begin their World Cup campaign against Wales in Bordeaux on September 10 before also facing Australia, Georgia and Portugal in Pool C.
“We’ve had an amazing build-up,” Raiwalui said.
“We got to try different combinations against Tonga, Samoa and Japan and were able to come away with victories.
“We have been good in patches and played well. Our fitness has come a long way, but we still haven’t put a game together for the full 80 minutes.
“Now we have huge challenges against France and England. We’ve taken it one challenge at a time, so next up is a very, very good French team.”
Raiwalui has opted for Fijian Drua duo Teti Tela and Caleb Muntz as his first-choice flyhalves after leaving out veteran Ben Volavola.
More than half of the squad played for the Drua in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament.
Raiwalui said the experience of playing against top teams from New Zealand and Australia helped raise standards.
“The Drua boys being able to play Super Rugby has been a great opportunity for us and Fiji Rugby,” he added.
“It shows it’s working. We are in the second year of the Drua and I think we’re going to get better”.
Fiji World Cup squad:
Forwards:
Props: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake
Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere , Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama
Locks: Isoa Nasilasila , Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta , Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu
Back row: Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira , Meli Derenalagi , Viliame Mata
Backs:
Scrumhalves: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli , Peni Matawalu
Flyhalves: Caleb Muntz , Teti Tela
Centres: Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu (Captain), Kalaveti Ravouvou , Sireli Maqala, Iosefo Masi
Wings: Vinaya Habosi , Jiuta Wainiqolo
Fullback: Ilaisa Droasese , Selestino Ravutaumada
