Fijian rugby team selects 35 players

The Fijian rugby team has announced a squad of 35 players, including several stars from the Top 14, to challenge France in Lyon on November 7, followed by matches against Ireland and Italy in the Nations Championship. Josua Tuisova, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Peceli Yato, and Sireli Maqala are among those named in the selection revealed on Friday. The team includes four uncapped players, including Setareki Bituniyata from Provence Rugby.

Backline and frontline selections

In the backline, Wainiqolo, Iosefo Masi, Vinaya Habosi, and Selestino Ravutaumada provide a strong reservoir of power and speed, along with Salesi Rayasi and Ponipate Loganimasi. In the front, Peceli Yato, Elia Canakaivata, and Pita-Gus Sowakula are included, with Nathan Hughes, a flanker from Racing 92 and former English international, potentially making his debut with the Fijians.

Head coach with World Cup experience

Jake White, named head coach of the Fijian team on October 13, has a World Cup win in his palmares from 2007 with South Africa. His mission is to combine the Fijian offensive instinct with better collective organization. The Flying Fijians recently defeated Japan in Tokyo 34-28.

French fans face a tough challenge

French supporters have reasons to be cautious, as the Fijians defeated France 21-14 at the Stade de France in November 2018, with Tuisova and Semi Radradra scoring the tries. Ben Volavola, also in the current selection, had converted three penalties in that match. In 2023, the Fijians made a strong impression by beating Australia at the World Cup.

Schedule and key players missing

The first match is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 9:10 p.m. at the Groupama Stadium. Wainiqolo and Masi, players of LOU, will return to an environment they know well, even though they play at Gerland for their club. The Fijians will then continue with matches in Ireland on November 14 and Italy on November 21. The team is missing Semi Radradra and Levani Botia, who are absent from the list. While France is expected to be the favorite, the Fijians are capable of turning a match on a few inspirations, and the French would be wrong to take this first November opponent lightly.