Flying Fijians

Seven changes for Fiji whose midfield combo is one not to be missed

Simon Raiwalui has now rung the alterations for their final Summer Nations Series match ahead of next month’s finals campaign which begins with their September 10 meeting with Wales in Bordeaux.

Three changes are in the backline with Ilaisa Droasese in for Sireli Maqala at full-back, Selesitino Ravutaumada on the right wing for Jiuta Wainiqolo and skipper Waisea Nayacalevu named at outside centre for Iosefo Masi.

Flying Fijians to work on mistakes

This comes after analysing their first warm-up match against France yesterday morning.

Fans were treated to an impressive performance by the French team as our national team suffered a 34-17 defeat.

Despite everything that went wrong, according to Raiwalui, the team’s on-field interaction was generally good.

Fijian Dragon slayers reunite

What makes their unexpected meet up special is the fact they were just an hour away from Nantes where they slayed the Welsh Dragons in their final pool match 26 years ago.

FBC Sports reports France based Jone Daunivucu shared some light moments with Serermaia Bai, Bill Gadolo and Graham Dewes who scored the winning try against Wales.

Dewes and Bai are assistant coaches for our Flying Fijians while Gadolo is the team manager.

Flying Fijians named for 2023 Rugby World Cup

The surprise inclusion is prop Jone Koroiduadua.

Ben Volavola has missed out along with Vilimoni Botitu, Seta Tamanivalu, Joseva Tamani and Meli Tuni.

     

Flying Fijians Kick off World Cup Journey with Exclusive Visit to FIJI Water Plant

Building on FIJI Water’s sponsorship of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, the company recently welcomed the national rugby team to its bottling plant for an exclusive tour and employee meet-and-greet.

In addition, the company provided free tickets to every one of its FIJI Water employees and paused operations so they could all attend the first test match against Tonga at Churchill Park in Lautoka with family and friends.

The match drew more than 600 employees to the stadium where FIJI Water banners were on display all around the pitch.

Yato leaves Flying Fijians camp

Coach Simon Raiwalui has confirmed that Yato removed himself from the camp earlier this week.

The Nadroga man trained with the team at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes last weekend and was part of their training session on Monday.

Raiwalui said Yato left the squad on his own accord.

‘He had great preparation and in the past weeks he was an outstanding leadership, leading the boys from and unfortunately there was a situation and he chose to leave the camp and I respect that.’

Flying Fijians hit Tonga with three early tries and outlast spirited comeback

A superb debut from Caleb Muntz set his spectacular outsides away for some classic Flying Fiji rugby en route to keeping their win streak alive against Tonga. It was fast and physical from the outset, the ball touching each team’s 22 in the opening minute with hard running and a typically free-flowing attack.

It was Fiji who made the first few breaks of the game and looked more disciplined in the early stages. Josua Tuisova won the collision battle in his first two hit-ups against his opposite number, former All Black Malakai Fekitoa.

High expectations from Ikale Tahi and Flying Fijians coaches

"It's a match between Fiji and Tonga, it's always a physical match and we understand we are playing against a very good team and we look forward to the challenge," Raiwalui said.

Kefu said Fiji will be tough at home and believes his men will need to be switched on from the kick-off.

"It's going to be tough and physical. Fiji will be on fire and we just have to turn up and do what we have been practising," the former Wallaby said.

"We have named a team we believe can do the job."

Flying Fijians names four debutants for Tonga clash

Caleb Muntz, Selestino Ravutaumada, Lekima Tagitagivalu and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta have been included in Coach Simon Raiwalui’s matchday squad.

Out of the four, Cirikidaveta will come off the bench.

Veteran center Waisea Nayacalevu will captain the side and is expected to lead them at the Rugby World Cup as well.

Our front row includes Peni Ravai,Sam Matavesi and Mesake Doge.

Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua are the locks, Levani Botia as openside flanker with Tagitagivalu at blindside and Albert Tuisue packing down at number eight.

Flying Fijians Coach Simon Raiwalui impressed with Ikale Tonga

Raiwalui said it’s no secret that teams like Tonga and Samoa have solid forward packs and a fiery back line.

Responding to media in a zoom session yesterday the Flying Fijians coach reiterates they are preparing well for their opposition.

“They had a good week at the sand dunes it was a very comfortable session and we’ve working on a couple of things including our fitness.”

Raiwalui added they are anticipating a physical battle upfront, trusting that his players understand what they have to do.