Flying Fijians name all local players for Scotland

Although a number of players were named in the original squad, including captain Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova, none is on the starting lineup or the bench for the first of four Test matches of the Europe tour.

Head coach Mick Byrne said the players are all unavailable for the first match because the game is outside the November World Rugby Test window.

“If you look at the overall squad and the ones we have now, you will see those who are unavailable,” he said.

“Obviously we would like to be fielding all our players from the Northern Hemisphere but this game, is outside the window.

“But it gives us great opportunity, three years out from the 2027 World Cup, to have a look at some young players that weave got our eyes on, that have been performing well at Super Rugby and this gives us the opportunity to look at how they handle the test arena.”

Hooker Tevita Ikanivere will lead the side again as captain.

He is in good stead, with an all Fijian Drua pack surrounding him in the forward battles.

The surprise is in the backline, where sevens player Ponipate Loganimasi is named at 11, along with Waratahs Vuate Karawalevu.

Byrne said he is excited about the wingers and the style they have brought into the game.

“The way our backline functioned during the Pacific Nations Cup, I like the look of our wingers and how they performed in the PNC,” he said.

“He is a taller type winger and a very balanced rugby player and we are building strengths in that position and this is the opportunity for him to play,” Byrne said of Loganimasi.

Loganimasi was called up after he returned from the Olympic Games, and played a few minutes in the PNC final against Japan, scoring a try in his debut of the bench.

He replaced the injured Selesitino Ravutaumada.

This will be is debut in the starting lineup.

Byrne said Scotland will not be easy and the Flying Fijians will have to be on their best throughout the big clash.

“I know we will be in a big challenge at Murrayfield,” he said.

“They are very enterprising rugby players and physical. Their forwards run hard and challenge most teams.

“They have a well-rounded game and their coach sees the game in a different way. I respect the way they are playing their rugby.

“We are looking forward to Murrayfield.”

He said captain Sione Tu’ipulotu is a tough player, who he had worked together with in the Rebels outfit.

“He was a good ball player, very tough and dedicated.”

Two good kickers in flyhalf Caleb Muntz and fullback Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula means there is good option for the kicking game.

Byrne said the onus is on the players to make the right decisions and take the right opportunities.

Meanwhile, Scotland have named a team featuring nine Glasgow Warriors players for the clash against Fiji.

New captain Sione Tuipulotu will lead the team and will have eight of his Glasgow team-mates alongside him in the starting XV and another six on the bench.

Included among the replacements is Tom Jordan, the only uncapped player in the match-day 23.

The New Zealand-born stand-off qualifies for Scotland on residency grounds having lived in the country for five years.

Gregor Townsend, the Scotland head coach, is unable to select English or French-based players for the Fiji fixture because the match is taking place before the Test window officially opens – the same issue Fiji is also faced with.

The clash starts at 6.04am on Sunday (NZ time).