Eleventh hour changes, the challenge is still there

It’s unfortunate that FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne was forced to make three changes to his 32-member squad for next month’s Europe tour.

This was before the Flying Fijians jetted out of the country last Saturday night.

Ruled out because of injuries are Lyon centre Iosefo Masi, Racing 92 loose forward Lekima Tagitagivalu and Fijian Drua utility back Ponipate Loganimasi.

Byrne has roped in Kitione Salawa to cover for Tagitagivalu, robust winger Jioji Nasova for Loganimasi and Toulon utility back Seta Tuicuvu to replace Masi.

Byrne said it right, that it was disappointing to lose players through injuries but at the same time it gives other players an opportunity to showcase what they have got.

It was a shocker when Tuicuvu dropped out of the Simon Raiwalui-coached Flying Fijians squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. This was because he had to be present to negotiate for his next club.

However, since then Tuicuvu has been playing consistently in the French Top 14 competition for the past seasons and deserves to get a recall.

Tuicuvu and Nasova’s inclusion will give Byrne a lot of options on how to utilise them so they could play to their best.

Similarly, this is also the case with Salawa who at openside flanker needs to put on a big game to stamp his mark among the loose forwards.

The Flying Fijians face England in Twickenham on November 8 before moving to Bordeaux on November 15 to take on France followed by Spain on November 22.

Now the onus is on the 32 players to impress Byrne and show that they have got what it takes to play at the 2027 RWC in Australia.

The wily coach has given them that opportunity and the players should make the most of it.

To the players, this opportunity is all about winning their Test matches to improve their (November) rankings, which places them in a favourable pool, when the official 2027 RWC pool draws are done on December 3.

This is the challenge, which may be tough but not an impossible one to achieve. So, go for it.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj