Many rugby fans in Fiji have been asking why France based Johnny Dyer wasn’t included in the 45 member Fiji Water Flying Fijians squad two weeks ago and also the 39 named Tuesday
When questioned by FBC Sports, Head Coach Simon Raiwalui said players were selected based on form.
“No, no, he’s not injured we have selected the players that have played the best over the period of the year, I wanted to go back to selecting based on merit and obviously some players have missed out and that was unfortunate.”
Players who haven’t been named in the Flying Fijians 39-member squad still can make the trip to the Rugby World Cup in France.
Simon Raiwalui said the selection door is still open.
This means players like Mesulame Dolokoto, Setareki Tuicuvu, Jone Koroiduadua, Adrea Cocagi, Joseva Tamani and Haereiti Hetet have six weeks to turn things around.
Raiwalui said anything can happen between now and August 8th when they announce the 33-member final squad for World Cup.
“The final squad, majority will come from that group but there’s the opportunity for others to push and that’s the nature of rugby, you have injuries, you have things that happen so we’ve said to all players, be prepared and be ready”.
The Flying Fijians coach adds they’re also closely monitoring our Under 20 side playing at the Junior World Championship in South Africa.
“They still have their matches to finish at the U20s, be rest assured I’ll be watching and the coaches will be watching any players putting their hand up”.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s first Pacific Nations Cup match will be against Tonga at 12pm in Lautoka on 22 July followed by Samoa a week later in Apia.
They’ll then face Japan in Tokyo on 05 August.
The side will play two World Cup warm-up games, first against France on August 20th and England the following weekend in Twickenham.
The Flying Fijians will leave for Welagi, Taveuni on Saturday for a one week camp.
SOURCE: FBC SPORTS/PACNEWS
