Give Ravula, Muntz time and they’ll deliver, says ex-All Blacks playmaker

The Flying Fijians have two talented firstfive eighths who will play a crucial role in the upcoming Nations Championship and should be at their best come next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

This was the view of former All Blacks and Chiefs No.10 Stephen Donald. In an interview with SUNsports in Nadi, he said Flying Fijians playmakers Caleb Muntz and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula have bright futures.

“They will be key figures for Fiji at the inaugural Nations Championship in the United Kingdom, next month,” he said.

Donald praised the duo after they were named in the Flying Fijians squad following strong performances this season.

Muntz plays for Provence in the French ProD2 competition, where they reached the play-offs while Ravula dons the Fijian Drua colours in the Super Rugby Pacific competition and was among the Top 10 points scorer this season.

“They’ve done a great job, and obviously it’s not easy coming into that position,” Donald said.

“At Super Rugby, it’s as tough as it gets, but the way they’ve been starting to grow and organise the Drua attack has been great.

“Obviously, Muntz has carried that on, but both of them will be great value for the Flying Fijians moving forward.”

Donald was the hero of the All Blacks side that won the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

He kicked over the penalty that gave the All Blacks the 8-7 win over France in final.

The 42-year-old who has played 25 Tests for the All Blacks and 106 Super Rugby games for the Chiefs said it is important for the Flying Fijians to have a good No.10.

“It’s such a critical position. Fiji naturally has great centres and great wingers, but to have two No.10s of that quality is impressive.

“They’ll only get better too. That’s the thing about playing first fiveeighth- you improve as you get older. I’m very impressed.”

Donald also reiterated the importance of the halfback and first fiveeighth positions and their role in the team system.

He was in the country as part of the Drua Foundation’s junior development programme at the club’s headquarter in Legalega, Nadi.

Donald is also part of the weekly TV rugby show Breakdown, which also has All Blacks greats of Sir John Kirwan, Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina.

Muntz and Ravula are part of the Flying Fijians squad who will be moving to Cardiff in Wales, this week to start their preparations for their opening match against Wales on July 4.

It will be followed by their clash against England in Liverpool on July 11 and Scotland in Edinburgh on July 18.