THERE is excitement in the air as we prepare to take on the might of Uruguay this weekend.
What is of particular interest is the announcement by national coach John McKee that the “Sledgehammer” Eroni Sau would be on the wing early tomorrow morning in Gloucester, England.
If that wasn’t good enough for fans, the naming of “The Bus” Josua Tuisova on the opposite wing will obviously have fans rubbing their hands in glee as well.
The Toulon backliner is charged with guarding the right wing.
Among changes to last weekend’s side that succumbed to Scotland is lanky former national sevens forward Semi Kunatani who has been named in the backrow by McKee.
He comes in place of Viliame Mata while Henry Seniloli steps in at halfback, and Drua forwards Mesulame Dolokoto and Albert Tuisue have also been included in the run-on team.
McKee is banking on Sau’s experience for the Drua, his stint in sevens rugby, and with Perpignan in France to hold him in good stead this weekend.
It will be another chance for Fijian fans to watch the hard hitter in action, this time, in the full code.
Tuisova, who was unavailable last weekend, has been with the squad all week.
The absence of Semi Radradra at centre has forced McKee to reshuffle his backline.
Veteran Vereniki Goneva will move to centre, pushing Metuisela Talebula to fullback.
The Fiji-Uruguay match is scheduled to kick off at 2am Fiji time.
With elections fever capturing the imagination of Fijians this week, there is an appreciation that the clash against Uruguay comes in at a perfect time.
The loss to Scotland is now history. Attention switches to this weekend.
For whatever it is worth, fans will be banking on our Flying Fijians to come clean against a Uruguay side that also needs a victory to motivate its fans.
Tomorrow morning for the Flying Fijians will no doubt be about self belief, perseverance, and sticking to McKee’s set game plan.
It will be about controlling the controllable, maintaining composure under pressure, staying focused and lifting our set pieces.
Then there is understandably the unpredictable aspect of our game which might just add value if we get a chance against Uruguay.
Go Fiji, go.
