FIJI HEAD COACH John McKee has named an extended squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup and the Rugby World Cup.
Pool A of this year’s global tournament already looked competitive enough with Australia, Wales and England all involved, but this Fijian squad is likely to play an important part in the outcome too.
Glasgow's electric Niko Matawalu is in the extended squad. Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
South American minnows Uruguay are the final side in Pool A, but the quality of their opponents means their task will be hugely demanding.
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Fiji coach McKee – a former Connacht assistant under Michael Bradley – today named a 53-man squad, part of which will compete in the Pacific Nations Cup from 18 July until 2 August, before the New Zealand-born head coach finalises a 31-man group for the World Cup.
A scan of the squad list indicates that Fiji have some frightening talent to pick from, meaning they have the potential to cause an upset or two in Pool A.
Toulon’s Napolioni Nalaga, Bordeaux’s prolific Metuisela Talebula, veteran Sireli Bobo and soon-to-be London Irish flyer Asaeli Tikoirotuma are some of the options available to McKee in the back three, while the likes of the Ospreys’ Josh Matavesi and Crusaders sensation Nemani Nadolo offer quality in midfield.
Glasgow Warriors pair Niko Matawalu and Leone Nakarawa add another layer of offloading ability, while the likes of Montpellier’s Akapusi Qera, Brive’s Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Sisa Koyamaibole, and Peceli Yato are excellent forwards.
Crusaders wing Nemani Nadolo is a place-kicking centre for Fiji. Photosport / Renee McKay/INPHO
Photosport / Renee McKay/INPHO / Renee McKay/INPHO
McKee has also indicated that missing wing pair Timoci Nagusa of Montpellier and Grenoble’s Alipate Ratini will be given every chance of proving their fitness before he finalises his World Cup squad.
Even if they aren’t to cause an upset in Pool A, this Fijian group has the physical ability to throw up several exciting performances.
Fiji 53-man extended Nations Cup and World Cup squad:
This Fiji squad could do some serious damage at the World Cup
FIJI HEAD COACH John McKee has named an extended squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup and the Rugby World Cup.
Pool A of this year’s global tournament already looked competitive enough with Australia, Wales and England all involved, but this Fijian squad is likely to play an important part in the outcome too.
South American minnows Uruguay are the final side in Pool A, but the quality of their opponents means their task will be hugely demanding.
Fiji coach McKee – a former Connacht assistant under Michael Bradley – today named a 53-man squad, part of which will compete in the Pacific Nations Cup from 18 July until 2 August, before the New Zealand-born head coach finalises a 31-man group for the World Cup.
A scan of the squad list indicates that Fiji have some frightening talent to pick from, meaning they have the potential to cause an upset or two in Pool A.
Toulon’s Napolioni Nalaga, Bordeaux’s prolific Metuisela Talebula, veteran Sireli Bobo and soon-to-be London Irish flyer Asaeli Tikoirotuma are some of the options available to McKee in the back three, while the likes of the Ospreys’ Josh Matavesi and Crusaders sensation Nemani Nadolo offer quality in midfield.
Glasgow Warriors pair Niko Matawalu and Leone Nakarawa add another layer of offloading ability, while the likes of Montpellier’s Akapusi Qera, Brive’s Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Sisa Koyamaibole, and Peceli Yato are excellent forwards.
McKee has also indicated that missing wing pair Timoci Nagusa of Montpellier and Grenoble’s Alipate Ratini will be given every chance of proving their fitness before he finalises his World Cup squad.
Even if they aren’t to cause an upset in Pool A, this Fijian group has the physical ability to throw up several exciting performances.
Fiji 53-man extended Nations Cup and World Cup squad:
Backs: Seremia Bai, Sireli Bobo, Lepani Botia, Adriu Delai, Isoa Donaldson, Vereniki Goneva, Nemia Kenatale, Gabby Lovobalavu, Jone Macilai, Benidito Masilevu, Nikola Matawalu, Josh Matavesi, Kini Murimurivalu, Waisea, Napolioni Nalaga, Nemani Nadolo, Jonetani Ralulu, Savenaca Rawaca, John Stewart, Metuisela Talebula, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Eroni Vasiteri, Samisoni Viriviri, Serupepeli Vularika, Albert Vulivuli, Watisoni Votu.
Forwards: Leeroy Atalifo, Isei Colati, Tevita Cavubati, Taniela Koroi, Sunia Koto, Sisa Koyamaibole, Isireli Ledua, Wame Lewaravu, Campese Ma’afu, Masi Matadigo, Apisai Naikatini, Leone Nakarawa, Nemani Nagusa, Akapusi Qera, Jone Qovu, Api Ratuniyarawa, Peni Ravai, Malakai Ravulo, Kirwan Sanday, Manasa Saulo, Nemia Soqeta, Nemani Talei, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Viliame Veikoso, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Peceli Yato.
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