Fiji name initial World Cup squad

[TRF_Cymro]

Fiji have announced their initial 43-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in September with 13 local players included in their plans.

http://www.espnscrum.com/2011-rugby-world-cup/rugby/story/140945.html​

Fiji squad for World Cup:

Seremaia Baikeinuku, Vitoria Buatava, Sireli Bobo, Ilikena Bolakoro, Tevita Cavubati, Waisea Daveta, Adriu Delai, Graham Dewes, Ravai Fatiaki, Vereniki Goneva, Sekonaia Kalou, Sunia Koto, Sisa Koyamaibole, Wame Lewaravu, Nicky Little, Gabriele Lovobalavu, Waisale Luveniyali, Campese Ma'afu, Penijamini Makutu, Deacon Manu, Taniela Maravunawasawasa, Masi Matadigo, Joshua Matavesi, Kini Murimurivalu, Timoci Nagusa, Jimilai Naikadawa, Jone Nailiko, Sireli Naqelevuki, Akapusi Qera, Seru Rabeni, Malakai Ravulo, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Setefano Samoca, Nemia Serelevu, Netani Talei, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Waisale Vatuvoka, Viliame Veikoso, Malakai Volau, Napolioni Vonowale, Albert Vulivuli, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Apisalome Waqatabu.

 

[iWin]

I take it Caucau has ****** them off too much in the past to be considered?

 

[best_fullback]

Can someone tell me why Isa Nacewa doesn't play for Fiji?

I understand that back in 2003 he represented them, and then there was the whole issue about him wanting it to be disregarded so he could play for NZ, but wasn't that thrown out by the IRB? Because in that case why doesn't he just represent Fiji rather than not playing any international Rugby at all? Or is he still trying to claim to play for NZ?

 

[RAWWeyman]

Indeed. I'm not even sure the form he's on at the moment is a match for Figi's current wingers anyway.

Looks like a Christmas pudding at the moment if you ask me.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Granted he is large he has lost weight since that last photo.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

He's also a bloody fantastic player

Doesn't matter how much extra padding he carries he's still as fast and agile as ever - ridiculous when you see someone his size outpacing everyone else on the pitch


Good to see Wame Lewaravu in there, and Sisa Koyamaibole



Three cheers for Sireli Bobo too

 

[King_D'Arcy]

Nacewa was asked to go but turned down the invitation

 

[RAWWeyman]

You're right! He's lost so much weight!


Nawww I joke -but is he better than the other wingers

 

[iWin]

Hasn't he been playing centre for Toulouse? Even with his pace, I'd say he's more use there as a runner.

 

[Feicarsinn]

He was on the wing for the Top 14 semi final against Clermont, scoring two tries.One was from about 80m, so he's still got pace to burn.

 

[RAWWeyman]

Shame he's not in the squad then.

 

[Conal]

no caucau

 

[Draggs]

no caucau

He has stated that he wanted to stay in France with his family.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10728391

 

[Muzzy]

awesome to see Talei and Koto come back into the squad after being out for so long, Nagusa has been in great form too, i don't really like Matadigo he doesn't seem to have much strength for a number 8

its probably for the best that Caucau has chosen not to play

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Nacewa to decide in the next few weeks whether he's going to make himself available for Fiji:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/13662465.stm

 

[superprop]

He'll be vital if he declares for them. They have some fantastic big runners but he'd bring some vital intelligence ecspecially in counter-attacking.

 

[psychic duck]

Nacewa to decide in the next few weeks whether he's going to make himself available for Fiji:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/13662465.stm

please Leinster, let him play for Fiji, it would be a travesty for a full back with the quality he has to be lost to the World Cup and international game

Dave Kearney needs a chance anyway

 

[superprop]

please Leinster, let him play for Fiji, it would be a travesty for a full back with the quality he has to be lost to the World Cup and international game

Dave Kearney needs a chance anyway

It's not Leinster's decision it's his.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I hope Nacewa does go to the World Cup with Fiji. His talents should be displayed on the biggest stage. In years to come I think he may regret his decision not to play international rugby.

 

[leone]

It's not Leinster's decision it's his.

but the article says :
"They [Fiji] have got a good squad anyway so I'll make an informed decision over the next couple of weeks," he said.
"I have made a huge commitment to Leinster.
"Without our internationals at the start of next season it's going to be a tough ask for a lot of our younger guys.
"I think they are expecting me to be around and it's something I'll uphold if they want me to."


so it seem that either there are really some kind of strange agreement or he is tryng to put the responsability of his negative decision on the club

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Bit harsh on him, all he's saying is that he's committed to Leinster as a club, and if they need him during the WC he'll play for them.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

God I love him!

 

[superprop]

God I love him!

Ditto. If Carlsberg did players...

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I don't know the first thing about 9/10'ths of those players and I am guessing neither does the Springbok coaching staff which is why they are probably a big threat; a big, fast side (I assume) with a huge unknown factor.

 

[psychic duck]

I don't know the first thing about 9/10'ths of those players and I am guessing neither does the Springbok coaching staff which is why they are probably a big threat; a big, fast side (I assume) with a huge unknown factor.

I think Fiji and Samoa will rest against South Africa and try and focus on Wales

like Fiji did against Australia in the last RWC

and Samoa also in 2007 against South Africa

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I think Fiji and Samoa will rest against Samoa and try and focus on Wales

like Fiji did against Australia in the last RWC

and Samoa also in 2007 against South Africa

South Africa?

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Samoa play south Africa last soo if it's matter of they must beat them to qualify for the next round then they'll be at full strength. Fiji draw South Africa before they play Wales and Samoa soo it'd be wise for them to rest key players for that game.

 

[DJRonStar]

Samoa will target the Fiji and Wales game. Lucky for Samoa they have Namibia first up. Will use this as a warm up to Wales unless Namibia pulls out an upset.

Samoa's final pool game against South Africa should be a beauty. They will give it there all and no holds barred. This should be an inteesting game as South Africa may rest a lot of there players depending if they have qualified first or not in the pool heading in to this game. Could be a good time to topple the defending world champions...

 

[smartcooky]

Hasn't he been playing centre for Toulouse? Even with his pace, I'd say he's more use there as a runner.

I don't know about that. The long range try he scored in that Semi v Clermont shows he still has the pace.

[video=youtube;Lfa_DzbgP_s&start=480&rel=0</pre>]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfa_DzbgP_s&start=480&rel=0[/video]

 

[iWin]

I don't know about that. The long range try he scored in that Semi v Clermont shows he still has the pace.

[video=youtube;Lfa_DzbgP_s&start=480&rel=0</pre>]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfa_DzbgP_s&start=480&rel=0[/video]

I realise that, I was just saying that he's not a small guy, so probably wouldn't go amiss at 13. Depends who else they would want to put in the squad though I suppose.