Uluinakauvadra plays for Tanihwa Northland rugby team in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship (NPC) for the past two years.
FIJI Water Flying Fijians players from left: Saimoni Uluinakauvadra and Peni
Matawalu. Both players have been named in the squad to face Spain on Sunday.
This is the moment for backrower Saimoni Uluinakauvadra to show his worth and stamp his spot in the Flying Fijians starting line-up.
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has named the 26-year-old at openside flanker for Sunday’s (Fiji time) Test clash against Spain at Valladolid.
“Sai is very physical and fit to play at seven,” the wily coach said yesterday.
“Sai plays really hard and he’s just about to make his debut. He is product of our system over the years.”
Uluinakauvadra plays for Tanihwa Northland rugby team in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship (NPC) for the past two years.
THROUGH THE SYSTEM
He played for the Fiji Under-20 rugby side that won the World Rugby U20 Trophy final in 2018. In 2019 he represented the Fijian Warriors to the World Rugby Pacific Challenge.
Later that year he was selected to the Flying Fijians squad that beat the Barbarians 33-31 in Twickenham.
TOUGH GAME
Byrne highlighted that they are expecting a very physical encounter against Spain.
“They (Spain) are going to come hard on us. Spain will be aggressive and full of energy.”
He said they have worked on tightening their defence and last week a few tries scored by Wales could have been stopped.
“Also we need to reduce our errors and work on our kicking game so we could get the territory we’re after.”
Byrne confirmed that lock Isoa Nasilasila suffered a nasty injury and is Vuate Karawalevu as they would be rested.
“After the PNC (Pacific Nations Cup) a couple of our players suffered niggling injuries. However, we are fortunate to have depth in each position something we’ve been working hard on,” he added.
The match kicks-off at 2am.
FIJI LINE-UP:
Forwards-1. Eroni Mawi (Saracens), 2. Sam Matavesi (Lyon), 3. Luke Tagi (Bayonne), 4. Mesake Vocevoce (Fijian Drua), 5. Leone Rotuisolia (Fijian Drua), 6. Vilive Miramira (Fijian Drua), 7. Saimoni Uluinakauvadra (Northland), 8. Albert Tuisue (Gloucester).
Backs- 9. Simi Kuruvoli (Fijian Drua), 10. Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua), 11. Ponipate Loganimasi (Fijian Drua(, 12. Waisea Nayacalevu (Sale Sharks), 13. Sireli Maqala (Bayonne), 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon), 15. Isaiah Armstrong- Ravula (Fijian Drua).
Reserves- 16. Mesulame Dolokoto (Fijian Drua), 17. Haereiti Hetet (Fijian Drua), 18. Jone Koroiduadua (Fijian Drua), 19. Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), 20. Elia Canakaivata (Fijian Drua), 21. Peni Matawalu (Fijian Drua), Vilimoni Botitu (Castres), Inia Tabuavou (Fijian Drua).
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