Flying Fijians

The Samoans lost a tough clash against world number one Ireland 17-13 in Bayonne early Sunday morning, after leading 10-7 at half-time.

And the Flying Fijians have climbed to seventh spot on the world rugby ranking after their first-ever win over England.

They have jumped ahead of England, Australia and Wales, heading into the world meet with their best-ever ranking. Samoa remain in 12th place.

Samoans close to causing a shock

Manu Samoa had their chances to cause a big upset against Ireland in the later stages of the game.

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.

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.

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.

The surprise inclusion is prop Jone Koroiduadua.

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

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.

The debutants are Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo and Titi Lamositete.

Luatua plays for Bristol Bears but has previously competed for Auckland and the Blues. He also played for Samoa and New Zealand’s youth teams and has won caps for the All Blacks.

 The 32-year-old is versatile and is able to play at No. 8, flanker and lock. He plays predominantly at No 8 for Bristol.

Malolo plays for the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby (MLR). His position of choice is hooker.

After their close 24-22 win over Japan last week, the Manu Samoa side managed to move up to 10th place in the world rankings.

They will be looking to continue their fairy tale run again this weekend en route to the Rugby World Cup in September.

The Samoans will also want to defend their turf this weekend as they will be playing their first test as well in Apia after four long years.

Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians will be looking to spoil the party for the Samoans and secure a win to extend their lead on top of the Punjas Pacific Battle Series points table.

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.’

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.