Cotter Works on Squad

Japan-based Setareki Tamanivalu is among many Fijian players vying for positions in the midfield and wing for the Flying Fijians’ July Test matches.

This was pointed out yesterday by head coach Vern Cotter. He also indicated they were monitoring Vilimoni Botitu, Levani Botia, Waisea

Nayacalevu, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Josua Tuisova, Manasa Mataele and Vinaya Habosi.

“The competition is tough for position in the midfields and wing,” he said.

Cotter highlighted that his team in the northern hemisphere were talking to Botia and Nayacalevu about their physical and mental fatigue before selection.

He also indicated that Racing 92’s Ben Volavola and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Teti Tela were options for the No.10 jumper.

Setareki Tuicuvu is eyed for fullback although he can cover for other backline positions as well.

French Top14

Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist and Castres second five-eight, Botitu, scored a try in their 48-13 win over Biarritz, who had Johnny Dyer, Henry Speight at wing and Tevita Kuridrani at centre.

Castres Fijian winger Filipo Nakosi scored the opening try in the 14th minute, while Adrea Cocagi came in as a sub. Veteran centre Nayacalevu scored a try for Stade Francais in the 68th minute despite losing 2926 to Clermont.

For La Rochelle, they suffered a 23-16 loss to Toulouse, although bustling second five-eight Botia put on a good show.

Volavola came in as a sub for Racing 92 as they romped to a 42-21 win over Pau, who had veteran Jale Vatubua at centre. Also playing centre for Racing was Virimi Vakatawa.

Tuisova was moved to centre as he spearheaded Lyon’s backline moves as they beat Montpellier 43-20. Lock Temo Mayanavanua came in as a sub for Lyon.

Perpignan, with Fijian winger Alivereti Duguivalu, had too much firepower for Brive with a 27-10 victory. Brive winger Setareki Bituniyata,

who was yellow carded in the 55th minute, started the game with lock Tevita Ratuva and fullbackturned winger Tuicuvu.

Loose forward Kitione Kamikamica came in as an impact player.

In the Gallagher Premiership, Flying Fijians back rower Albert Tuisue helped London Irish fight back from a 39-14 deficit to hold Wasps 42-42. Leicester Tigers, with burly winger Nemani Nadolo coming in as a sub, thrashed Bristol Bears 56-26. Other results saw Gloucester wallop Bath 64-0 while Saracens beat Worcester 38-16.