Flying Fijians 2025
Fiji win Pacific Nations Cup
The Flying Fijians have won back-to-back Pacific Nations Cups after defeating Japan in a thrilling final 33-27.
Japan came firing out of the blocks, posting 10 points before Fiji responded with a try directly from the restart through Mesake Vocevoce.
They would then go a hot run, scoring 3 more tries in the final 20 minutes of the 1st half through some breath-taking running rugby.
Tries were scored by Centre Inia Tabuavou, skipper Tevita Ikanivere and Joji Nasova.
Nasova crossed for his 2nd 2 minutes into the 2nd half. It was looking like a long night for the Brave Blossoms but they managed to work their way back into the match and push Fiji to the final whistle.
Ultimately Fiji held on with some determined defence and forcing crucial turnovers.
Coach Mick Byrne added - “It was tough today, wasn’t it? The fight we had at the end, we were down a couple of cards, things didn’t seem to be going our way out on the field – but the boys dug deep, defended well under a bit of pressure and had some composure to come back at the end and control the game.”
Fiji into PNC final after big win over Canada
Fiji have defeated Canada by a whopping 63-10 in Denver to advance to the Pacific Nations Cup final.
It took only 3 minutes for Fiji to post a try. It came through speedy winger Taniela Rakuro who would go on to score 2 for the night.
Late changes meant Kemu Valetini started in the Flyhalf position with Caleb Muntz shifting to the bench.
Debutant Joji Nasova ran a match high 130 metres while also getting his first 5 pointer. Kalaveti Ravouvou was forced to play Centre for virtually the whole match with Seta Tamanivalu leaving the field injured in the first minute. Ravouvou scored 3 tries for the night and gifted Mesake Vocevoce another.
Other tries were scored by Eroni Mawi and Etonia Waqa who was heavily involved on the night.
Fiji will play Japan in the final.
Fiji defeat Samoa in 2nd PNC clash
The Flying Fijians came from behind to defeat a determined Samoan side 29-15 in Rotorua.
Fiji found themselves down 5-15 in the first half, with the home side enjoying a mount of possession thanks to some great defence.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere scored Fiji's first try through a rolling maul and Seta Tamanivalu ran a great line to cross for their second just before half time.
The 2nd half turned into a dog-fight with both sides struggling to score. Fiji did cross late through Kalaveti Ravouvou. The win also qualifies Tonga for the 2027 RWC.
Fiji off to a flyer in first PNC match
The Flying Fijians have defeated Tonga 32-10 in their first Pacific Nations Cup match.
Tonga came into the match with a win under their belt, defeating Samoa in impressive fashion last weekend and carried that form into round 2 scoring a try after barely a minute on the clock.
It didn't take long however for Fiji to find their rhythm, scoring in the 12th minute through Seta Tamanivalu who finished off a wonderful long range team-try.
Fiji would score a further 3 tries through Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tevita Ikanivere and Taniela Rakuro for a solid first up win.
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
Albert Tuisue had his best performance in a Provence shirt. They faced Dax and were awarded a penalty try after only 3 minutes. It didn’t take long for Provence to add to their lead, scoring again in the 8th minute via rolling maul to Tuisue, his first 5 pointer for the club.
He also made 12 carries, 2nd only to Setareki Bituniyata, 51 metres and missed none of his 12 tackle attempts.
The Flying Fijians loosie also gave away 3 penalties, mostly at the ruck. Final score Provence 42-15 Dax.
It was an impressive effort from the big man and a positive sign heading into the end of year representative season.
Bayonne are 2 from 2 to open the season after beating Montpellier 26-23 in a close, gripping match.
Sireli Maqala made his return after not playing in round 1, starting at Centre and partnering up with Manu Tuilagi.
They conceded the first try in the 9th minute before Maqala crossed next to the posts, ducking under a tackle to scurry over for Bayonne’s first points.
He was relatively quiet for the remainder of the match, gaining a total of 22 metres from 6 carries, made all his 6 tackles and won a turnover.
Jiuta Wainiqolo made his competitive debut for Lyon in their trip to Montauban.
Up against a packed stadium and a hostile home crowd hoping to push USM to their first Top 14 victory, Lyon managed to hold off the fired up Montauban to win 25-18.
Wainiqolo went on a trademark run, stepping and evading defenders, stopped only metres out from the tryline. A quick recycle and Iosefo Masi was sent over untouched for his first 5 pointer in the Top 14.
Wainiqolo would later score himself on another brilliant sideline dash, beating multiple defenders. He would finish the afternoon with a match high 142 metres and 5 defenders beaten, largely from his 2 big contributions.
Salesi Rayasi made his official debut for Bordeaux in their opening match of the season against La Rochelle.
He entered the game early in the 2nd half and was involved in a tryscoring movement but was later stretchered off after suffering a concussion attempting a tackle 11 minutes into his time on the field.
With the mandatory stand-down period for head concussions, Rayasi will miss atleast 1 match.
