Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has made two key changes to his squad for this weekend’s Autumn Nations Series promoting loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula to the starting lineup while Kitione Salawa moves to the bench.
Adding to the excitement, prop Tim Hoyt is in line for a potential debut.
Sowakula’s inclusion adds power and balance to the loose forward combination, teaming up with Elia Canakaivata and Viliame Mata to form a dynamic and hard-hitting back row.
The Flying Fijians will field Eroni Mawi at loosehead prop, Tevita Ikanivere at hooker and Mesake Doge at tighthead.
The locks are Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua, while Sowakula, Canakaivata and Mata complete the forward pack.
In the backs, Simione Kuruvoli partners Caleb Muntz in the halves, with Josua Tuisova and Kalaveti Ravouvou forming the midfield.
Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada and Salesi Rayasi make up the explosive back three.
On the bench, Zuriel Togiatama, Haeriti Hetet, Hoyt, Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa, Sam Wye, Isaiah Armstrong and Sireli Maqala provide impact options for Byrne’s side.
Meanwhile, Fijians loose forward Viliame Mata says the team is bracing for a high-intensity battle when they take on France in Bordeaux this weekend.
Mata, who has been a key figure in Fiji’s pack, expects a world-class contest, especially from his opposite number, as the visitors aim to build on their recent form.
He said that preparations have been smooth, with players grateful for the top-class facilities that have helped fine-tune their performance ahead of the second Test on their end-of-year tour.
“My opponent is a great leader and a great player so he will be one to watch. We travelled well from England to France and we are training at the Bordeaux Rugby Union and the facilities are great here.”
Powerhouse centre Josua Tuisova says familiarity with the French style of play could work in Fiji’s favour.
Having spent several seasons in the Top 14, the Racing 92 star will come up against many of his club teammates — but insists that friendships will be set aside once the whistle blows.
Tuisova said all the contact he needs with his French counterparts will happen on the field, as Fiji looks to deliver a strong statement performance in Bordeaux.
With both Mata and Tuisova leading from the front, the Flying Fijians are shaping up for a fiery showdown against a French side eager to defend home turf.
They meet France at 8:10am this Sunday in Bordeaux.
