Winger Taniela Rakuro has been described by FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne as a tough young player, ahead of the team’s first Pacific Nations Cup against Tonga this Saturday.
Byrne was asked on how Rakuro’s inclusion into the team meant stepping in to fill the vacancy left by Selestino Ravutaumada, who is not part of the Flying Fijians’ PNC squad due to his signing onto French Top 14 rugby club Lyon.
“We all know Taniela’s (Rakuro) got some jet shoes, hopefully we can stick him out in the open somewhere on the weekend and he can let himself go,” Byrne said.
“The other side with Taniela (Rakuro) is that he’s only a young professional and he’s been learning a lot about the game; he’s a tough young player.”
He explained the work carried out by Rakuro when in action, highlighting collision areas as one of them.
“He presents himself really well in the collision areas as well. For a speedy guy, he doesn’t shy away from the physical contest.”
Rakuro was named in the 30-member squad assembled for the Pacific Nations Cup, which began last week.
Coming in to the national team from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua with teammates Isoa Tuwai and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, they are expected to make their national debut this Saturday.
Besides the Drua trio making the cut, they are joined by fellow teammates in the forward pack such as Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray and Kitione Salawa.
In the backline are Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Caleb Muntz, Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
The match against Tonga kicks off at 3pm, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.