Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne during a press conference yesterday, hinted that if selected, the Drua boys were ready to put their hands up for the 2023 World Cup in France later this year.
New Zealand and Australian teams competing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition has been resting some of its key players ahead of the Rugby World Cup, and a question was posed to Byrne whether he had been in discussion with Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui, with the World Cup just five months away.
“I have not had any conversations with Simon (Raiwalui) but we look after our players so that they can get to the world cup and show the world how good they are,” Byrne said.
Thirteen current Fijian Drua players who have earlier donned the Flying Fijians jumper and would be again knocking on the door include Tevita Ikanivere, Chris Minimbi, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesulame Dolokoto, Samu Tawake, Mesake Doge, Frank Lomani, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Teti Tela, Peni Matawalu, Apisalome Vota, Simione Kuruvoli and Haereiti Hetet.
Drua’s backline utility players Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada and flanker Kitione Salawa, who are in impressive form would also be putting their hands up for selection into the Flying Fijians squad as well.
Bryne highlighted a number of things heading into the round eight clash against the Brumbies on next week Friday at the GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia.
“It will be a big challenge for us. Not many teams travel to Canberra and have success, so we are going to meet a pretty good side which I think third on the ladder.
“They are performing really well and a well-coached team.”
Brumbies, which are third on the Super Rugby Pacific standings, so far lost one game in the competition and would be force to reckon with.
“We are looking forward to going down there and really showing them that we are a improved side when we played them last year,” Byrne said.
“The key for us now is to enjoy our break during our bye week and get the players mentally refreshed this week and we come back on Saturday to prepare for the Brumbies.”
With three wins already in the bag, Byrne said they would be taking each game as it comes with the ultimate aim to make it to the finals.
“There are eight games to go, so our strategy is to stay in the now and work in the present.
“For now, we want to make sure our players are fully geared up and in great shape and understand how we are going to play against the Brumbies.”
The RWC is scheduled to take place in France from September 8 to October 28.
