Botia First ‘At 12’
Flying Fijians captain, Levani Botia, is still the first choice as second five-eight, says head coach Vern Cotter.
Speaking to SUNsports, Cotter said Botia’s first preference would be the No.12 jumper, although Botia was named as a loose forward.
“We have a number of loose forwards injured but if we have no more, he (Botia) will not play 7. It was just an option,” Cotter said.
Botia had a good season with La Rochelle as they won the Heineken Cup Championship and for the first time to be crowned the European Champions.
However, La Rochelle bowed out of the French Top 14 quarterfinal with a 33-28 loss to Toulouse on Sunday.
Botia is currently in Monaco with the Barbarians as they prepare to take on England at Twickenham on Sunday.
Northampton Saints duo Sam Matavesi and veteran Api Ratuniyarawa, Waisea Nayacalevu, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Mesulame Kunavula are expected here this weekend to prepare for next month’s World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.
Also in Suva is Bristol Bears centre and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist, Semi Radradra, who is still injured.
So far, Vilimoni Botitu will play for Castres in Saturday’s Top 14 semifinal clash against Toulouse while loosehead prop Eroni Mawi plays for Saracens in their Gallagher Premier final against Nemani Nadolo’s Leicester, also on Saturday.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor confirmed that the Flying Fijians squad report to camp on June 20, in Nadi before they move to Suva on June 26.
The Flying Fijians face Tonga at 3.30pm on July 2 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.
Samoa will take on Australia A at 1.30pm
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
