Simon Raiwalui Sets His Sights On The World Cup And Wales

Former Newport RFC star Simon Raiwalui has named a strong 45-man Fiji training squad as they continue their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France – including a key clash against Wales.

By Paul Jones

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui was always known as a straight talker when he was captain at Newport and when he asserts his side can go to the World Cup in France this year and “ruffle some feathers” you’d better take notice.

Fiji are Wales first opponents in Pool C and the last time the two teams meet on French soil, back in 2007, things didn’t go so well in Nantes. When the sides clashed in Tokyo four years ago it was Wales who came out on top, winning 29-17 thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Josh Adams.

Backs Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, Semi Radradra, Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani and forwards Viliame Mata, Sam Matavesi, Mesu Dolokoto, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Api Ratuniyarawa and Peceli Yato are all included in the 45-makn training squad for another crack at Warren Gatland’s side and they will get plenty of practice before the big clash in Bordeaux on Sunday, 10 September.

On Saturday morning the Fijian Drua will face Canterbury Crusaders in the quarter-finals of the Super Rugby Pacific tournament. They aave already beaten them once and took down Queensland Reds last week to reach the knock-out stages for the first time.

They then take on Pacific Island rivals Tonga and Samoa, throughout July before lining-up up against Japan. Their preparations for the World Cup conclude with two games against France in August.

And so begins silly season. @SimonRaiwalui our hearts are now in your hands. Make us proud, Coach! #DuavataVeilomaniRakavi https://t.co/JinZvijhhC

— Fred Flow (@Fred_Flow_fj) June 8, 2023

There are no fewer than 23 players from the Fijian Drua, while Heineken Champions Cups winner Lavania Botia heads a cast of 13 players from the Top 14 in France. There are also players from Japan, the English Premiership and the URC.

There are also 10 uncapped players named in the initial squad with the rest of the players coming from ProD 2 clubs in France.

“I think it’s a great balance of players in the team. We know the different systems they play in, especially the Drua, judging from the results that they have produced this year,” raiwalui told the Fijian website.

“Making the quarter-finals in only their second year only makes my selection of the team a daunting exercise. All those selected from overseas or local, deserve to be in the Flying Fijians squad”

The 12 front rowers in the squad consist of loosehead props Peni Ravai (Queensland Reds), Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Haereti Hetet (Fijian Drua), Meli Tuni (Fijian Drua), hookers Sam Matavesi (Northampton Saints), Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua), Zuriel Togiatama (Fijian Drua), Mesulame Dolokoto (Fijian Drua) and tighthead props Mesake Doge (Fijian Drua), Luke Tagi (Provence Rugby), Samu Tawake (Fijian Drua), Jone Koroiduadua (Fijian Drua).

The 41-cap lock Apisalome Ratuniyarawa (London Irish), has been named in the second row alongside Isoa Nasilasila (Fijian Drua) and Temo Mayanavanua (Lyon). The utility forwards are packed with experience with the likes of Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Peceli Yato (Clermont) and Drua pack of Lekima Tagitagivalu, Joseva Tamani and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta.

The robust back row experience of Levani Botia (La Rochelle), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh) and Kitione Kamikamica will guide young Meli Derenalagi (Fijian Drua), and Vilive Miramira (Fijian Drua).

Definitely. Tough to lose Cotter less than a year out from a RWC but Simon Raiwalui knows what he’s doing. They’ve got all the pieces to make a quarter-final, and maybe even further…

— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) June 8, 2023

An all-Fijian Drua halfback trio of Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli and Peni Matawalu have been named in the wider squad, Teti Tela (Fijian Drua), Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua) and Ben Volavola (Racing 92) as fly-halfs.

The line-breakers creating opportunities in midfield are Josua Tuisova (Lyon), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Fijian Drua), Adrea Cocagi (Fijian Drua), Waisea Nayacalevu (Toulon), Iosefo Masi (Fijian Drua), and Seta Tamanivalu (Toshiba Brave).

Raiwalui has also included specialist players in the Back Three who have been in their best form for their clubs – Vinaya Habosi (Racing 92), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua), Ilaisa Drosese (Fijian Drua) and Setareki Tuicuvu (Brive). Semi Radradra (Bristol Bears), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Vilimoni Botitu (Castres) are named as utility backs.

“We are going to Taveuni which is going to be a unique experience, no five-star hotel, no luxuries, live amongst the people and connect with them. We obviously will be there for a mission but part of it is reconnecting with who we are as Fijians,” added Raiwalui.

“The ultimate goal is the Rugby World Cup. We got Tonga first here at home and they are a well-experienced team as they got some new players this year. Then we move on to Samoa and Japan. Those matches are in our region. We have a week off and then we will fly to Europe to play France and England which are great matches to play leading into the World Cup.

Our @FIJIWater Flying Fijians 45-member wider squad.

Read more: https://t.co/E6hQXNHdeZ #duavataveilomanirakavi pic.twitter.com/5UdpYmiNKQ

— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) June 8, 2023