Our New Captain
Coach John McKee includes 8 Fiji Airways Fijian Drua in the November tour party
Dominiko Waqaniburotu will lead the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians in the three internationals in Europe next month. He replaces Akapusi Qera in the November tour party named by Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee yesterday.
The team consists of local and overseas based players and sees the inclusion of Fiji Airways Drua players Joeli Veitayaki, Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Mosese Voka, Frank Lomani, Alivereti Veitokani, and Albert Tuisue. Qera has been having problems getting game time as he has yet to secure a rugby contract in France. “Dominiko is our man in charge during the November internationals,”McKee said.
The Makadru, Matuku, Lau native tough man has been one of the mainstays of the team since he made his debut against the Wallabies in Canberra in 2010.
He is a versatile forward who is equally at home in either the second or back row and he played in the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015. McKee stressed the importance of this year’s November tour as this would be the last assembly before the 2019 Rugby World Cup which is now less than 12 months away. “As our last match assembly before our 2019 RWC preparation the November Tour takes an increased importance in terms of developing our Fiji Airways Flying Fijians game style and improving our skills and fitness capacities to compete successfully at Test Match level,”he said.
“There will be a lot of focus on the two Tier 1 Test matches, Scotland and France, to measure our performance at this level. Uruguay is also an important match for us with Uruguay being one of our Pool D opponents at the RWC 2019.
“Some new, younger, players will get an opportunity on this Tour. It is very important that these players really step up on this Tour and make the most of their opportunity to put themselves in the selection frame for Japan 2019.
The team will kick off their campaign with the Reg. 9 Camp in Toulouse, France from October 29 to November 3.
Tour Matches:
■Nov 10 vs Scotland, Edinburgh; ■Nov 17 vs v Uruguay Hartpury College, England;
■Nov 24 vs France at Stade de France, Paris
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad selected are:
Campese Maáfu, Joeli Veitayaki, Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Sam Matavesi, Kalivati Tawake, Manasa Saulo, Ropate Rinakama, Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Albert Tuisue,
Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato, Mosese Voka, Viliame Mata, Nemani Nagusa, Frank Lomani, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Alivereti Veitokani, Eroni Vasiteri, Jale Vatubua, Semi Radradra,Vereniki Goneva, Josua Tuisova, Setareki Tuicuvu, Metuisela Talebula, Eroni Sau.
Players on Standby: Ratunaisa Navuma, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Api Ratuniyarawa, Semi Kunatani, Seru Vularika, Nikola Matawalu, Benito Masilevu, Sevanaia Galala.
Unavailable for selection due to injury: Waisea Nayacalevu, Nemani Nadolo, Timoci Nagusa, Kini Murmurivalu, Patrick Osbourne.