“We’ve only got 19 or 20 games before the World Cup. This is the time to get combinations right and give young players exposure,” Byrne said.
Flying Fijians side during their training session at the National Hockey Centre, Suva on July 8, 2025. Photo: Josua Buredua
Don’t be surprised if Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne opts to give a couple of newbies a run in Saturday’s Test clash against Scotland at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
During the Flying Fijians training run at the National Hockey Centre yesterday, former Fiji Under-20 hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua was given a run while Stade Francais lock Seta Turagacoke featured in the lineouts. The 19-year-old Turagacoke who stands at 2m could be the answer to our lineout woes.
Turagacoke was partnering with Isoa Nasilasila and is being given a chance to grow into the system.
“We’ve only got 19 or 20 games before the World Cup. This is the time to get combinations right and give young players exposure,” Byrne said.
Fijian Drua loose forwards Etonia Waqa and Motikiai Murray also took turns at the side of the scrum, while veteran Viliame Mata should retain the No.8 spot.
Byrne was also trying out the three halfbacks of Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye and Philip Baselala as they combined with Caleb Muntz at No.10.
The wily coach kept the centre partnership of Josua Tuisova and Iosefo Masi. He was testing out the back three of Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Salesi Rayasi who was interchanging with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Flying Fijians fullback Salesi Rayasi during the team’s training session at the National Hockey Centre, Suva on July 8, 2025. Photo: Josua Buredua
Focus
After the Flying Fijians narrow 18-21 loss to the Wallabies on Sunday, Byrne said they need to focus on cleaning up areas that had let them down.
“We’ve been focusing on getting our own game right,” the wily coach said.
“There were a few things we missed on Sunday and we’ve been working hard to fix those.”
Byrne highlighted that one of the key areas of focus has been physicality at the breakdown.
“This is the strength of the Scottish side that was evident in their recent match against the Maori All Blacks. Scotland brings real aggression around the breakdown, and that hasn’t changed. We know it’s going to be a physical battle up front, but we’re ready for that,” he reiterated.
Despite the loss, Byrne said the players remain upbeat and are in high spirits and their belief in the system is firmly intact.
“The boys are not mentally pressured. They’re excited. They know when we got things right on Sunday, we looked sharp. Now it’s about backing that up this week.”
Injury
An injury cloud hangs over a few players, including prop Peni Ravai whose arm is in a sling and may require a scan.
Byrne said the rest of the squad is in good shape with all fit players training fully.
As the Flying Fijians gear up to face a disciplined and tough Scottish outfit, he said the focus was not just on their opponents but on their own standards especially in the forwards.
“It doesn’t matter who we play, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, the forwards always bring it. So, we need to match that every time.”
Flying Fijians likely line-up:
1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Setareki Turagacoke, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15. Salesi Rayasi.
Reserves: 16. Kavaia Tagiveutaua, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Philip Baselala, 22. Sireli Maqala, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Feedback: mere.ledua@fijisun.com.fj
