In just 14 months in France, Setareki Turagacoke has made a name for himself. Not only the 18-year-old former Lelean Memorial School student made his Top 14 debut this year,
FIJI Water Flying Fijians lock Setareki Turagacoke wins the lineout
against Spain during their Autumn Test match on November 17, 2024. Photo: Fiji Rugby
In just 14 months in France, Setareki Turagacoke has made a name for himself.
Not only the 18-year-old former Lelean Memorial School student made his Top 14 debut this year, he also earned his first Test cap for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians.
A last minute inclusion to the side, Turagacoke flew in to replace injured lock Isoa Nasilasila.
The Dakuinuku, Sawakasa native who shares maternal links to Naselai, Nuku, Tailevu was one of the five try scorers in their 33-19 win against Spain at José Zorrilla Stadium, Valladolid.
Head coach Mick Byrne said patience earned them the win.
His side trailed 7-10 at half-time when they scored a single try through Ponipate Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz successfully converted the try before they bounced back in the second-half to score four unanswered tries.
Muntz converted four of the five tries; the other try scorers were Sireli Maqala, Sam Matavesi and captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
“Message at half-time was patience and stick to our game,” Byrne said.
“We knew that the first-half was going to be fierce and passionate and we got to hang on and second half we got to hang onto the ball.
“I think we made a few errors when we had the ball and I thought we scored a couple of tries and were taken off us.”
The former Drua coach added that his side did not hold on to many possessions.
“Actually when we look into detail we might be pretty early in those malls,” he said.
“I think that’s frustration, we needed to be cleaner but probably the first-half (was on us), we dropped too many balls and we did not get on to it.”
Fiji will take on Ireland at 3:10am this Sunday in their last Test match at Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
This will be only the sixth time that the two teams have met in a Test match; Ireland have won all five previous encounters.
In their most recent encounter, Ireland beat the Flying Fijians 35-17 during the 2022 Autumn Series.
Meanwhile, Nayacalevu said: “What I know about Spanish rugby is they’re dynamic, quick and physical as well, so coming into this game our preparation was to be physically fit.
“It’s great to come and play at this stadium, we enjoyed our time here.”
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