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11 new players included in Fiji squad for second Maori All Blacks clash

Patrick Osborne. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
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Fiji head coach John McKee has named his 26-member extended Flying Fijians squad for the final Pacific Series test match against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua this Saturday.

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With so much depth in the squad, McKee will be traveling with 11 new players who were not part of the historic 27-10 win over their New Zealand counterparts last weekend in Suva.

“The plan has always been to give as many players as we can the opportunity across the first two games as a lead up into the Pacific Nations Cup,” McKee said.

He said it’s always good to test and judge the capability of the players against strong opponents

“We have got a number of players who probably got niggling injuries from the game but also some coming from Europe with minor injuries from the back end of the season and are on a rehabilitation programme.”

Luke Tagi, Joeli Veitayaki, Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, Johnny Dyer, Mosese Voka, Frank Lomani and Serupepeli Vularika are the local players who have made it into McKee’s extended squad.

“It’s an opportunity for these players to step up and show what they can do as everyone in the squad is vying for position in the final squad for RWC2019,” McKee added.

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He said the work plan for the week has been mapped out as they prepare for another tough Saturday match-up.

“The plan for this week will also see a couple of new combinations working together, learning on the mistakes we made in our first match against the Maori All Black  as we expect the second one to also be a really tough one.”

Flying Fijians 26 member squad:

  1. Lee-roy Atalifo
  2. Campese Ma’afu
  3. Peni Ravai
  4. Luke Tagi
  5. Kalivati Tawake
  6. Joeli Veitayaki
  7. Sam Matavesi
  8. Tuvere Vugakoto
  9. Api Ratuniyarawa
  10. Tevita Ratuva
  11. Albert Tuisue
  12. Johnny Dyer
  13. Nemani Nagusa
  14. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
  15. Mosese Voka
  16. Frank Lomani
  17. Henry Seniloli
  18. Serupepeli Vularika
  19. Josh Matavesi
  20. Alivereti Veitokani
  21. Sevanaia Galala
  22. Waisea Nayacalevu
  23. Jale Vatubua
  24. Kini Murimurivalu
  25. Filipo Nakosi
  26. Patrick Osbourne

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Phantom 34 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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