Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

Flying Fijians hooker, Sam Matavesi, is in top form and a sure starter in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) from July 2-16 in Suva and Lau­toka.

Matavesi scored two tries in North­ampton Saints 65-26 win over New­castle in the Gallagher Premiership clash in London, on Saturday.

Also playing alongside him was veteran lock Api Ratuniyarawa, who finishes off from the Saints at the end of the season.

Saints have secured a spot in the playoffs where they face Nemani Nadolo’s Leicester Tigers, who fin­ished at the top of the points table after a 20-10 win over Wasps.

Loosehead prop Eroni Mawi could not help Saracens as they were thrashed 54-7 by Gloucester.

Today, Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter is expected to name his squad for the PNC.

It is understood that 10 Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players have made the cut.

Matavesi is our first choice hooker followed by Mesulame Dolokoto and Zuriel Togiatama.

Mawi, Peni Ravai and Haereiti He­tet are contenders for the loosehead prop, while Samuela Tawake and Mesake Doge on the tighthead.

However, Tawake is under injury cloud, and this could see seasoned campaigner Leeroy Atalifo coming in. Also, not to be counted out, is veteran Manasa Saulo, who showed his worth at Super Rugby.

For the locks, all eyes are on Ly­on’s Temo Mayanavanua and a few old hands like Leone Nakarawa or Api Ratuniyarawa. This is also an opportune time to try out Drua’s Ratu Rotuisolia and Isoa Nasilasila at Test level.

Already, former London Irish sec­ond rower Albert Tuisue is at home, and is a definite starter.

With Viliame Mata, Peceli Yato and Meli Derenalagi on the injury list, Cotter could bring in Mesu Kunavula, John Dyer and Te Ahi­waru Cirikidaveta. There is a high chance that former England No.8 Nathan Hughes could make the cut.

In the backs, the No.9 spot sees the likes of Frank Lomani and Si­mione Kuruvoli as top contenders

with Peni Matawalu closely behind them.

It would be great to get Issak Fines, but let’s get on with what we have.

Ben Volavola and Teti Tela are our key players to control play at No.10.

With Semi Radradra also injured, the centres could see Vilimoni Bo­titu, ex-All Black Seta Tamanivalu, Levani Botia and Waisea Nayaca­levu assigned for the task.

However, Botia and Nayacalevu, due to their enormous workload, would need to be assessed before considered for selection.

Joining them is Drua’s Kalaveti Ravouvou, who took on the best centres that Super Rugby had to offer and came out with flying col­ours.

Other centres who could make a surprise selection are Highlanders’ Denny Solomona, Apisalome Vota of the Drua and Castres’ Adrea Cocagi.

The wings could see Vinaya Ha­bosi, Josua Tuisova, and Moana Pasifika’s Timoci Tavatavanawai and Levi Aumua.

For fullback, there is Seta Tuicuvu while Volavola and Tela could pro­vide the much-needed backup.