Cotter’s Big 3
Strong running centres Levani Botia and Waisea Nayacalevu along with hooker Sam Matavesi are Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter’s pick as his top three players during the 2021 season.
“(Levani) Botia for his character and competitiveness,” Cotter said of the La Rochelle centre who captained the Flying Fijians in the All Blacks test matches ij July.
“Waisea (Nayacalevu) for his role as captain and try scorer in Europe,” he said.
“(Sam) Matavesi for his core skills and consistency.”
Nayacalevu took over as captain during the Europe Tour after Botia was ruled out due to injury while Matavesi was named as vicecaptain.
Cotter said some young players who had impressed him last year were halfback Moses Sorovi, Swire Shipping Fijian Drua first five eight Teti Tela, running fullback Seta Tuicuvu and Saracens prop Eroni Mawi.
However, the wily coach revealed he is still looking for a halfback and first five eight in the backs.
In the forwards, Cotter said work still need to be done in getting the best players for the right five- props, hooker and locks.
He is confident that the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s debut participation in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition is going to provide him the specialised players that he needs.
The global pandemic saw the Europe based Fijian players representing the Flying Fijians in the November Southern hemisphere tour. This was due to the closure of borders and restrictions in travel.
Fiji beat Spain 43-13, lost to Wales 38-23 and drew with Georgia 15-all.
In their two-match series against All Blacks in July they had both matches - 23-53 and 13-60 respectively.
Karalaini