Pacific Nations Cup: Battle Of The Halves

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee might give seasoned halfback Nikola Matawalu the No. 9 role in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup against Canada on Saturday.

Matawalu trained in full with the squad after going through his rehabilitation programme.

While McKee has already tested the other halfbacks – Frank Lomani, Henry Seniloli and Serupepeli Vularika – Matawalu offers a new dimension to the role in the battle of the halves building up to the Rugby World Cup.

He can spark attack from the back of the scrum.  He is a solid defender and can play utility roles.

But first, the pride of Ra Province needs to be fit to get the nod.

When he is fit, he will be lethal.

He will be a valuable asset to the Flying Fijians’ campaign.