Fiji name 38-man training squad ahead of RWC preparation
Fiji‘s preparations for the Rugby World Cup have taken another step forward today, as they have named a 38-man training squad for their upcoming fixtures against the Maori All Blacks and in the Pacific Nations Cup.
The squad, which will join together in camp on July 1st, will have almost two weeks together as a group before they host the Maori All Blacks in Suva, with the return fixture in Auckland coming a week after. The Flying Fijians’ Pacific Nations Cup commitments will then see them take on Japan in Kamaishi in the final week of July, before hosting Canada and Samoa in Suva over the first two weeks of August.
Following the conclusion of those five matches, Fiji coach John McKee will then make his final decision on the 31-man squad he will take to Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Despite the Montpellier duo of Nemani Nadolo and Timoci Nagusa retiring from international duty earlier this month, the 38-man squad to be assembled in July does not lack for star power.
Racing 92‘s Leone Nakarawa, Edinburgh‘s Viliame Mata and Harlequins‘ Semi Kunatani headline the group of forwards, whilst Bordeaux‘s Semi Radradra, La Rochelle‘s Levani Botia and Toulon duo Josua Tuisova and Filipo Nakosi standout among the backs.
Albert Tuisue and Alivereti Veitokani, who were impactful in London Irish’s successful bid for promotion to the Gallagher Premiership, are also included, as is their club teammate Manasa Saulo. The Newcastle Falcons quartet of Tevita Cavubati, Nemani Nagusa, Josh Matavesi and Vereniki Goneva, who are facing the prospect of next season in the Greene King IPA Championship, also made the cut.
There are a number of local players also included in the squad, many of whom have featured for on-island sides, such as the Fijian Drua in the National Rugby Championship and the Fijian Latui in the ongoing Pacific Showcase Series, with McKee glad to have a mix of players involved.
“Certainly there are very good local players who are challenging for positions in the Rugby World Cup team. It is also important time for them as they are currently part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui.
“Now is the time, with all planning in place, I am really looking forward to getting into camp with the players from July 1st. We know we have a lot of work to do between our assembly and travelling to Japan for our first game against Australia in the Rugby World Cup.
“Players have been slowly filtering back onto the island. I expect by the second week of June nearly all the players will be back with the exception of any French players who’s teams progress deep into finals.”
McKee has also opened the door for more local-based players and talented youngsters to be involved, should they impress enough in their respective opportunities.
“Players can be included at any time based on them showing outstanding form and fitness level. This can include locally based players playing in the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui or at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.”
Placed in a pool with Australia and Wales, Fiji’s chances of making the quarter-finals might seem slim on paper, but they are consistently being talked up as the dark horse of the competition and if they can keep this group of players healthy and enjoy a good period of preparation prior to the tournament, there is no reason why they can’t go on to upset one of the big Tier 1 nations.
Fiji’s 38-man training squad:
Front Row: Leeroy Atalifo, Mesulame Dolokoto, Sunia Koto, Campese Ma’afu, Sam Matavesi, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Luke Tagi, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Kalivati Tawake, Joeli Veitayaki, Tuvere Veremalua.
Second Row/Back Row: Tevita Cavubati, Johnny Dyer, Semi Kunatani, Mesulame Kunavalu, Temo Mayanavanua, Viliame Mata, Sikeli Nabou, Leone Nakarawa, Nemani Nagusa, Jale Railala, Api Ratuniyarawa, Tevita Ratuva, Albert Tuisue, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato.
Half-backs: Frank Lomani, Nikola Matawalu, Peni Matawalu, Henri Senioli, Seru Vularika.
Inside Backs: Levani Botia, Sevanaia Galala, Josh Matavesi, Alivereti Veitokani, Jale Vatubua, Ben Volavola.
Outside Backs: Vereniki Goneva, Benito Masilevu, Kini Murimurivalu, Filipo Nakosi, Apisai Naqalevu, Waisea Nayacelevu, Patrick Osbourne, Semi Radradra, Eroni Sau, Metuisela Talebula, Joshua Tuisova, Setareki Tuicuvu.
Watch: Fiji have cut their defence coach, Peter Ryan
Comments on RugbyPass
The side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
4 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
4 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
4 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
4 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to commentsWill rugbypass tv be showing these games?
1 Go to commentsWell where do you start, the fact that England have a professional domestic league and Ireland’s is fully amatuer, that they have fully seperated professional squads at Fifteens and Sevens (7’s thinly disguised as GB), and Ireland have fully pro Sevens squad who loan some players back to the Semi-Professional Fifteens squad (moved from amateur for only a year or so) for a few games at 6N & RWC’s. The Women’s games is a shambles, and is at risk of killing itself by pushing for professionalism when the market isn’t really there to support it outside one or two countnries..
6 Go to comments