Rayasi Tops

Flying Fijians full-back Salesi Rayasi put on a sterling performance in their Test clash against England in Twickenham last Sunday.

This was according to the Quilter Nations Series statistics where Rayasi made 15 carries, which was the most with England openside flanker Ben Earl. He also beat five defenders and made four offloads to finish on top.

This Sunday (Fiji time), Rayasi, who plays for Top 14 club Union Bordeaux Begles will be a sure starter against France and he will be playing on his home ground at Stade Matmut-Atlantique in Bordeaux.

Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne, spoke to BBC Sport about Simione Kuruvoli’s try that was disallowed when they were 26-18 down during the second half (against England).

“I think we did good work in the lead-up and it didn’t look like he lost control. It would have been a nice try to score,” he said. 

“I am not sure if we would have won the game, but it would have kept the momentum going our way. But that is just the way it has gone.”

Byrne said one of the things they came prepared for was battle in the air and the players had handled it really well.

“We are making progress that we need to be making, moving forward to 2027 (Rugby World Cup). We will learn from this, for what is required to go for the 80 minutes, and we will be fitter and stronger.” 

France coach Fabien Galthie has laid down to his players to take their chances against the Flying Fijians.

This was one area, he said, South Africa punished them on as they pulled away with a 32-17 win. And what added to his woes was the fact that the Springboks played with 14-men after Lood de Jager was red carded. 

“Around the 60th minute we had three clear chances where we should have scored,” said Galthié. 

“After that, they won penalties in midfield, pushed into our half and attacked hard with great efficiency. Their second halves are always powerful and effective. They still have the same strengths– but they’ve developed them.”

He said the Springboks thrive under pressure and thanked his players for standing up to them.

“We prepare to win, but we also have to accept defeat. It’s a great team, but our players worked hard,” Galthie added.