VODAFONE Flying Fijians coach John McKee has named a strong 40-member squad for the New Zealand Maori Test and the Pacific Nations Cup.
The squad marches into camp on July 1 and McKee confirmed selection for the NZ Maori match and the PNC would follow this assembly.
Sevens sensation Savenaca Rawaca made the cut along with Benito Masilevu while missing regulars from the squad who may get a call up to be part of the World Cup training squad after the PNC are Seremaia Bai (UK visa), Timoci Nagusa (injured), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Super Rugby final), Napolioni Nalaga (Top 14 final), Waisea Nayacalevu (top 14 final), Netani Talei (UK Visa), Ben Volavola (Super Rugby final) and Peceli Yato (Top 14 final).
“I am very pleased to name this group of players for the Vodafone Flying Fijians first assembly in preparation for RWC 2015,” McKee said.
“This is a very talented group of players and the competition for selection will be intense.
“The game plan will build on the June and November 2014 style of play and reflect on the unique Fijian team profile of players and at the same time recognising the requirements for a successful performance in the intense nature of International Test Match Rugby.”
He added this first assembly would mainly focus on fitness testing and the introduction of the Flying Fijian game principles in the lead-up to the NZ Maori match.
McKee said the Maori match would be a very important testing ground for Fiji in terms of preparedness.
He said the Maori would be ruthless and very strong and Tabai Matson, who would join the Fiji coaching panel later, was leading the Maori charge against the Flying Fijians.
“In a way this is a good thing. Tabai would have worked out our weak areas and when he comes on board we can start looking at the areas that need to be worked on,” he said.
Fiji takes on the Maori All Blacks on July 11 followed by Tonga in the first PNC game at the ANZ Stadium in Suva. On July 24 Fiji plays Samoa in California, USA and on July 28 face Japan in Toronto Canada.
After the PNC the Flying Fijians have a week’s rest and then move into camp for the World Cup and team remains in camp until after the World Cup.
Meanwhile some players are already in the country while others are expected to come in next week.
Props
Leeroy Atalifo (Fiji Warriors), Isei Colati (Nevers, France), Taniela Koroi (Wellington, NZ), Campese Ma’afu (Pays d’Aix, FR), Peni Ravai (Fiji Warriors) Manasa Saulo (Timisoara Saracens, Romania), Joeli Veitayaki (Fiji Warriors)
Hookers
Sunia Koto (Narbonne, FR), Jale Sassen (Fiji Warriors), Tuapati Talemaitoga (Pays d’Aix, FR), Villiame Veikoso (Doncaster, England),
Locks
Tevita Cavubati (Ospreys, Wales), Apisai Naikatini (Agen, FR), Leone Nakarawa (Glasgow, Scotland), Api Ratuniyarawa (Agen, FR), Save Tabakanalagi (Fiji Warriors)
Backrow
Johnny Dyer (Fiji Warriors), Masi Matadigo (Lyon, FR), Akapusi Qera (Montpellier, FR), Malakai Ravulo (CSA Steaua Bucurest; Romania), Nemia Soqeta (Barrittz, FR), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Brive, FR)
Halfbacks
Nemia Kenatale (CSA Steaua Bucharest; Romania), Nikola Matawalu (Bath, ENG), Henry Seniloli (Treviso, IT), Serupepeli Vularika (Fiji Warriors)
Inside backs
Lepani Botia (La Rochelle, FR), Gabby Lovobalavu (Bayonne, FR), Josh Matevesi (Ospreys, Wales), Jonetani Ralulu (France)
Outside back
Adriu Delai (Mont de Marsan, FR), Vereniki Goneva (Leicester, ENG), Benidito Masilevu (Brive, FR), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle, FR)
Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders, NZ), Savenaca Rawaca (Fiji 7s), John Stewart (Fiji Warriors), Metuisela Talebula (Begles-Bordeaux, FR) Asaeli Tikoirotuma (London Irish, ENG), Watisoni Votu (Pau, France)
