'Step up now': Flying Fijians face ruthless selection battle

The 32-member Fiji Water Flying Fijians squad selected yesterday would need to perform to maintain their spot for the side at the inaugural Nations Championship which kicks off on July 4.

Interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula issued the stern warning that players would be replaced if they do not meet the criteria.

Seruvakula has narrowed his squad which included veteran number 8 Peceli Yato, Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova and Levani Botia.

“The door is still open wide and people will be coming in,” Seruvakula said.

“If you are not fit, you’ll catch the plane back. That’s the message that has been going to them.”

Seruvakula said he will not tolerate any disciplinary issues.

He added senior seasoned players like Matavesi, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ratuva, Botia, Yato and Radradra would be a motivation to young players.

“There will be a lot of testing during the week. There will be a lot of training. If you don’t meet the criteria, you will be replaced for sure.”

“There’s a lot of talent. Some of the players missed out on selection because of inconsistent performance every week and some due to injury,” he said.

Seruvakula said the selection had been very tough.

He added some players would be considered later in the year to join the squad if injuries arise within the team.

“Selection philosophy is important because it will judge the way we want to play and how we want to organise as a group. So bringing in all those players, it’s not new to them in this environment in the Flying Fijians. They’ve already been there. They’ve already done the job,” Seruvakula said.

“A lot of them have played three World Cups and that’s why we need experienced players and they meet the criteria.

“They still play top level of rugby. We need talent. We need development also and some new players like Sam Wye who is playing in New Zealand and he’s the only uncapped players within the 32-member squad,” he said.

The team will be captained by former Swire Shipping Fiji Drua skipper and MIE Honda Heat hooker Tevita Ikanivere.

The team will leave on June 24; they will not have a pre-camp in Fiji. They would assemble in Cardiff on June 25.

Fiji faces Wales at Cardiff City Stadium in their opening match on July 4 before they host England at Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 11. The series concludes on July 18, with a clash against Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium.

SQUAD:

Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama.

Props: Eroni Mawi, Atunaisa Sokobale, Peni Ravai, Luke Tagi, Tim Hoyt.

Locks: Isoa Nsilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavua, Tevita Ratuva

Loose Forwards: Lekima Tagitagivalu, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Levani Botia, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Peceli Yato.

Half Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Sam Wye.

First Five-Eights: Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong Ravula.

Midfielders: Josua Tuisova, Filimoni Botitu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Semi Radradra

Outsides: Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalevati Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Salesi Rayasi, Vuate Karawalevu.