Buliruarua leads chase for No.13 spot
Rookie La Rochelle centre, Eneriko Buliruarua, is leading the race to don the Flying Fijians No.13 jumper during the upcoming Europe tour.
Buliruarua has impressed La Rochelle head coach, Ronan O’Gara, since joining the club this season. He is now playing regularly at centre during the Top 14 competition.
On Saturday, Buliruarua played in their 29-10 win over Castres who fielded Adrea Cocagi at second five-eight, Filipo Nakosi on the wing while Josua Raisuqe came in as a backline sub.
Veteran Levani Botia did not play for La Rochelle and so was Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist Vilimoni Botitu for Castres.
The Flying Fijians centre’s position opened up after Semi Radradra was ruled out because of injury. The top other contender is veteran Waisea Nayacalevu.
The Flying Fijians play Spain on November 6, followed by Wales on November 14 and Georgia on November 20.
Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor in an earlier interview confirmed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic all Europe-based players are going to be considered for the November Tests.
“We are still working with clubs on the release of the players and will make relevant announcement once we have confirmed the squad and the coaching panel,” O’Connor said.
Centre turned flanker Masivesi Dakuwaqa scored a try for Montpellier as they went down 27-23 to Bordeaux Begles.
Also, playing on the wing for Montpellier is Josua Vici who is also eyeing a spot in the Flying Fijians squad.
Leone Nakarawa played at blindside flanker for Toulon as they edged Brive 13-9.
Brive fielded former Fijian 7s forward Setareki Bituniyata while Sevanaia Galala and hooker Peniami Narisia came in as subs.
Lyon without Josua Tuisova and Temo Mayanavanua proved too strong for Biarritz with a 40-4 thrashing.
Biarritz had Johnny Dyer at lock while Henry Speight and Tevita Kuridrani were in the backline.
Veteran lock Tevita Cavubati is also pushing a spot in the Flying Fijians after a strong showing for Perpignan as they narrowly went down 17-14 to Racing 92 who had Virimi Vakatawa at centre.
France Prime Minister Jean Castex was also present to watch the clash.
Lekima Tagitagivalu started at lock for Pau who had Jale Vatubua on the bench while Aminiasi Tuimaba was suspended after copping a red card in their earlier match.
Pau did not have enough firepower as they lost 38-10 to Toulouse.
Results: Racing 19-14 Perpignan, Bordeaux 27-23 Montpellier, La Rochelle 29-10 Castres, Toulouse 38-10 Pau, Biarritz 5-40 Lyon, Toulon 13-9 Brive.
Gallagher Premiership
Burly Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo played his part in Leicester Tigers 21-16 win over Albert Tuisue’s London Irish on Saturday.
George Wacokecoke was at centre for Newcastle as they went down 37-23 to Saracens.
Results: Harlequins 52-24 Bristol, London Irish 16-21 Leicester, Gloucester 33-32 Sale, Exeter 42-5 Worcester, Saracens 37-23 Newcastle
United Rugby Championship
Bill Mata was at No.8 for Edinburgh as they drew 20-20 with Stormers in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.
Olympian Asaeli Tuivuaka was rested as his club Zebre were walloped 43-7 by Leinster.
Winger Iliesa Tavuyara scored a try for Benetton as they were beaten 21-8 by Ulster.
Results: Cardiff Blues 19-29
Bulls, Edinburgh 20-20 Stormers, Connacht 22-35 Dragons, Glasgow 13-9 Lions, Leinster 43-7 Zebre, Ospreys 13-27 Sharks, Ulster 21-8 Benetton.
New Zealand NPC
Taranaki’s Pita Gus Sowakula played superbly at No.8 as they beat Otago 30-23 in another round of the New Zealand National Provincial Championship.
Sowakula scored a try and ran a total of 53 metres.
Otago had Vilimoni Koroi on the wing but was closely marked by Taranaki’s Kini Naholo while the other winger was Jacob RatumaitavukiKneepkens. Vereniki Tikomaisolomone was on the reserve bench.
Fijian Drua forward Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta was at blindside flanker while Timoci Tavatavanawai on the wing for Tasman Mako as they went down 34-22 to Hawkes Bay in the Ranfurly Shield clash.
Results: Hawkes Bay 34-22 Tasman Mako, Otago 23-30 Taranaki.