England wary of Flying Fijians trio

England Rugby has highlighted Flying Fijians trio Viliame Mata, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Caleb Muntz are players to watch out in their Nations Series clash. 

England will face Fiji at Allianz Stadium in their second match of the Nations Series on November 9 (Fiji time). England will face Australia on Sunday in their first match. 

A preview statement by England Rugby said that Fiji will bring the same brand of breathless rugby they brought when they took England close during their last encounter in the 2023 World Cup quarter final and having beaten them for the first time a few months prior. 

“Dubbed the ‘Flying Fijians’ thanks to their fluid and flamboyant style, the Pacific islanders have a host of players in their ranks who play for top teams in Premiership Rugby, Top14 and Super Rugby,” the England Rugby preview said. 

“This quality shines through at international level, and the daring offloads, stunning line breaks and monstrous tackles that fans have come to expect from Fiji have cemented their place as the second team of many. 

“Full of confidence after winning their seventh Pacific Nations Cup in September and led by their vastly experienced head coach Mick Byrne, the Flying Fijians will arrive in London ready to put on a show.” 

They added the ones to watch are: 

Viliame ‘Bill’ Mata 

Having previously lit up the United Rugby Championship with Edinburgh Rugby, the back row moved to Prem Rugby’s Bristol Bears at the start of last season, where his pace, physicality and offloading ability are being put to full use. Nicknamed ‘Big Bill’, Mata embodies the all-action style of Fijian rugby and is a true enforcer, providing constant energy with his powerful tackles and abrasive ball carrying. 

Caleb Muntz 

New Zealand-born Muntz only made his debut in 2023 but is already a key cog in the Fiji team, orchestrating their attack from flyhalf while possessing a lethal ability to break the line himself. The 25-year-old was instrumental in his side’s historic 24-19 win in Cardiff last year, stunning Wales with a solo first-half try and kicking the penalty that sealed the game. 

Kalaveti Ravouvou 

Another Bristol Bear, Ravouvou scored 11 tries in 14 league appearances for his club last season – finishing almost all of them with a trademark swan dive. The powerhouse winger can exploit the smallest of gaps but is even more comfortable in open space, where his speed and balanced running enable him to round defenders with apparent ease. 

Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians departed last Saturday. They will face France and Spain following their opener against England.