Strong Fiji side selected for Autumn Nation Series
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Fijian head coach Mick Byrne has named a 39-strong squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
The Fijians will kick-off their tour in Scotland the week before heading to the Welsh capital to try to secure their first win over Wales on Welsh soil in a series of games dating all the way back to 1964. Overseas stars Waisale Nayacalevu, now at Sale Sharks, and Semi Radradra, currently playing in the Top 14 at Lyon, will provide plenty of experience and power behind the scrum along with scheming scrum half Frank Lomani.
They all started in the game in Bordeaux, while Bayonne’s Sireli Maqala and Racing 92’s Josua Tuisova came off the bench in the back division. Up front, there are five survivors from the side that faced Wales and ultimately reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The whole front row – Saracens loose head Eroni Mawi, Lyon hooker Sam Matavesi and Bayonne tight head Luke Tagi – are included, along with Fijian based lock Isoa Nasilasila and Gloucester back row man Albert Tuisue. Co-captain Tevita Ikanivere and Northampton Saints second row Temo Mayanavanua were both used as replacements in Bordeaux.
No fewer than 24 of the squad play together for the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacifica tournament and formed the basis of the squad that retained the Pacific Nations Cup in an unbeaten campaign that ended with a final victory in Japan.
None of the overseas players were included in that team, but their return for the northern hemisphere tournament will considerably boost Byrne’s options. Fiji go on to play Spain and Ireland after facing Scotland and Wales.
There are six Olympic Sevens gold medalists in the party – Sireli Maqala, Jiuta Wainquolo, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Vilimone Botitu and Meli Derenalagi – as well as a 2024 silver medalist from Paris, Ponipate Loganimasi.
Loganimasi was called into the Pacific Nations Cup squad at the last minute and marked his debut in the final against Japan with a brace of tries. There are four players selected by Bryne for the four match tour who have yet to be capped – centre Waqa Nalaga, outside half Kemu Valetini, hooker Penaia Cakobau and back row man Saimoni Uluinakauvadra.
Valetini is the brother of Australian No 8 Rob Valetini, who could well line-up against Wales in Round 2 of the Autumn Nations Series when the Wallabies meet Wales on Sunday 17 November.
Wings: Vuate Karawalevu (Waratahs), Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92)
Centres: Waisale Nayacalevu (co-captain, Sale Sharks), Semi Radradra (Lyon), Apisalome Vota (Drua), Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92), Vilimone Botitu (Castres Olympique), Waqa Nalaga (Drua)*
Half Backs: Kemu Valetini (Drua)*, Caleb Muntz (Drua), Frank Lomani (Drua), Simiome Kuruvoli (Drua), Peni Matawalu (Drua)
Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere (co-captain, Drua), Sam Matavesi (Lyon), Mesulame Dolokoto (Drua), Penaia Cakobau (North Harbour)*
Locks: Isoa Nasilasila (Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), Leone Rotuisolia (Drua)
Back Row: Kitione Salawa (Drua), Vilive Miramira (Drua), Elia Canakaivata (Drua), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Meli Derenalagi (Drua), Saimoni Uluinakauvadra (Northland)*
