Flying Fijians 2025
Flying Fijians defeat Scotland
The Flying Fijians have defeated Scotland in Suva 29-14. In a memorable day for the men in white, they scored 3 tries and were awarded a penalty try while Caleb Muntz kicked penalty goal.
Scotland started both halves strong, scoring both their tries in the first 5 minutes of each half. But once Fiji started gaining momentum, they visitors struggled to keep up at times.
Tevita Ikanivere scored Fiji's first try through a lineout maul before Kalaveti Ravouvou finished off a clinical backline move to dot down in the right corner.
In the second half it was in-form winger Jiuta Wainiqolo who broke through, beat several defenders before scoring a brilliant try.
Whilst Fiji will take the win, their were several tryscoring opportunities gone begging.
Byrne makes 4 changes vs Scotland
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has selected the bulk of the side that narrowly lost to Australia to face Scotland on Saturday in Suva.
Prop Peni Ravai who injured his arm in last weekend's match is replaced by Mesake Doge, bringing Samuela Tawake onto the vacant bench spot.
Philip Baselala is replaced by Sam Wye, he too is likely to make his debut when he comes off the bench.
Vilimoni Botitu fills the vacant #23 jersey worn by Sireli Maqala last weekend. Maqala is promoted to starting Centre in place of Iosefo Masi in what is the biggest change from last weekend. See the full team here
Heartbreak as Fiji lose in final minutes
The Flying Fijians battled from 14-nil down to lead 15-14 in the 2nd half of their opening test match against the Wallabies. Jiuta Wainiqolo set up both Fiji's tries including a trademark linebreak where he beat several defenders on a 70 metre run to set up Lekima Tagitagivalu in the corner.
Fiji looked to have scored through Sireli Maqala minutes later if not for the TMO intervening.
The winning try came in the 78th minute. The Wallabies winning 21-18.
Mick Byrne names exciting lineup for Wallabies test
Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has named an exciting lineup for their opening Test match this Sunday against the Wallabies. Amongst those named, former New Zealand Sevens rep Salesi Rayasi who will start at fullback.
Taking over the captaincy after the international retirement of Waisea Nayacalevu is Fijian Drua Hooker Tevita Ikanivere. Also making a likely debut if halfback Philip Baselala who has been named on the bench.
Player Updates
Mesake Vocevoce has been called into the Pasifika XV invitational side ahead of their clash against the British and Irish Lions on Tuesday night in Melbourne.
The young lock played against Scotland last Saturday in Suva, coming off the bench as he did against the Wallabies a week earlier.
He is joined by Mesake Doge and Ponipate Loganimasi, the trio along with Seru Uru and Filipo Daugunu of the Reds, Lington Ieli from the ACT Brumbies and Western Force halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa make up 7 Fijians in the squad.
Mesake Doge is one of 3 Flying Fijians to be called into the Pasifika XV squad that faces the British and Irish Lions on Tuesday night in Melbourne.
Player unavailability has been an issue for the one-off invitational side and special exemptions were made to rope in the Test trio of Doge, Mesake Vocevoce and Ponipate Loganimasi.
It will be a special night for the players who may only ever play against the Lions once.
Fijians already in the squad are Prop Lington Ieli (Brumbies), Seru Uru (Reds), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Force) and Filipo Daugunu (Reds).
Josua Tuisova proved again to be the centrepiece of the Flying Fijians attacking game. Constantly hitting the ball up into a brick wall and tacking several defenders to bring him down.
At times he looked a little overworked, leaving little in the tank for later in the game. He was replaced by Vilimoni Botitu in the 65th minute.
A mammoth 19 carries for 118 metres, 2 offloads and 7 defenders beaten. Defensively he was also a brick wall, causing a maul turnovers and 2 ruck turnovers.
A much improved showing at lineout for Flying Fijians Skipper Tevita Ikanivere. He also scored the first try through a rolling maul late in the 35th minute.
The lineout mistakes started creeping back in early in the 2nd half and he was replaced by Sam Matavesi not long after.
10 carries for a tough 15 metres and 5 tackles defensively.
He now heads to Japan to join new club Honda Heat. Whether he is a available for the November tests we will have to wait and see.
