Teti Tela Still In The Race
Flying Fijians first five eight Teti Tela is still in the running for this Sunday’s (Fiji time) Test clash against Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor.
“I can confirm that Teti has received his travel documents and should be with the squad in Scotland, later today (yesterday),” he said.
O’Connor said veteran Ben Volavola has joined the squad but would be on standby. The Flying Fijians camped in Libourne, France, last week before moving to their training camp in Scotland on Sunday.
Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter said they have been working on their game structure.
“We can’t play structured rugby if we don’t have a structure in place,” Cotter said.
“The bread and butter of rugby are the scrums and line-outs. We need to play our structured game and pressure them to score points.”
Cotter added it was great to have someone like Viliame Mata back in the team at number eight and one who knows his role very well.
Sireli Maqala (with ball) during a training session in France. Photo: Resistant
He added: “Sireli Maqala has impressed us with his skill sets. He can kick well, with the ball he is strong, tough and he offers us a number of positions he can play, which is at number 10, 15 and at the centre. He’s someone who is very quick on his feet and a player we are enjoying having him with us.”
Veteran Kini Murimurivalu is tipped for fullback, with his vast experience.
“He is also a left-foot kicker and with Maqala, they can exchangeon how to best use the skill set they have.”
Centre Waisea Nayacalevu is going to captain the Flying Fijians.
Tuisova makes move
Meanwhile, Fiji’s 2016 Olympic gold medallist Josua Tuisova will join Racing 92 on a three-year-dealfrom next season, the French club said.
Tuisova, 28, who arrives from Lyon, can feature either at centre or on the wing.
While Tuisova missed out of the Flying Fijians’ selection he has been named in the Babarians squad by coach Scott Robertson for their end of the year tour.
In September, France midfielder Virimi Vakatawa, was forced to retire aged just 30 due to a heart issue.
“He (Tuisova) will come on to strengthen the Racing 92 back-line mainly after the premature ending to the career of Virimi Vakatawa,” the Paris-based club said.
Tuisova has scored three tries in five matches for Lyon this season.
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