The Flying Fijians in France, August 2023 Photo: Fiji Rugby Union
Winger Vinaya Habosi has been named in the Flying Fijians starting lineup to meet France in Nantes on Sunday morning (Fiji time) in a pre-Rugby World Cup warm up match.
And a former All Black and ex-New Zealand 7s star will make their debuts for Manu Samoa against the Barbarians this weekend.
Habosi missed the three test matches in the Pacific Nations Cup as he was recovering from injury.
He last played for the Flying Fijians against Ireland in November 2022.
Head coach Simon Raiwalui told media as he announced his lineup they were excited to see what Habosi brings to the game.
"It's good to have him back. He went through all the tests and he was cleared," Raiwalui said.
"Looking forward to getting him back on the field."
Habosi will pair with Josua Tuisova on the other wing and the two are no strangers to the French rugby fans, playing their club rugby there.
Centre Semi Radradra has been named as captain and starts ahead of regular captain Waisea Nayacalevu, who has been rested for the match.
Radradra said they expect the French side to come at them with a big pack.
"The French love their rugby and I know they will come hard at us. We will focus on our system and hopefully we can wear them down," he said.
Raiwalui added that the game will be the best opportunity for the team to test themselves and see where they are.
"It's a huge game for us as France have been playing really good rugby and while the World Cup is here, there is a lot of interest in rugby and in the French team who are always a tough opponent to beat," he said.
"We've played very good rugby in patches and I think we haven't put a full game together and will try and just get more consistency throughout the game."
The Flying Fijians have been training in Pornic in the last week and have been followed by thousands of local fans who have turned up every day to support them.
They also held coaching sessions for children in the area and met with community members in a welcome ceremony on Wednesday.
Members of the Flying Fijians in France Photo: Fiji Rugby Union
National anthem in iTaukei language
The Flying Fijians will sing the Fiji national anthem in the iTaukei language before they take on France.
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has approved the request by the players and management of the Flying Fijians to sing the anthem in the language.
The iTaukei rendition will now precede the English version prior to kick-off.
Manu Samoa name debutants to face Barbarians
Former All Black flyhalf Lima Sopoaga and ex-New Zealand sevens winger Ben Lam make their Manu Samoa debuts against the Barbarians in Brive, France on Saturday morning.
Former Crusaders looseman Sa Jordan Taufua has been named on the bench and is expected to feature in the second half.
Sopoaga will start the game ahead of former Wallaby Christian Leali'ifano, who featured in the July Test series.
Head coach Seilala Mapusua has named a 23-strong team for the clash, the first of two pre-Rugby World Cup warm-up games for the side.
Captain Michael Ala'alatoa leads the side from upfront and will be joined by Jordan Lay and Seilala Lam.
Steven Luatua in training with Manu Samoa Photo: Samoa Rugby Union
The Barbarians, coached by former Manu Samoa captain Pat Lam, will have five Samoans in his run-on team.
They are Tim Nanai-Williams, Jack Lam, Aki Seiuli, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen and Joe Tekori, who were all members of the Manu Samoa extended squad during the recent July test series.
The side also includes Fijian Virimi Vakatawa, who has played for France.
After playing the Barbarians, Manu Samoa face Ireland in Bayonne, France.
Team lineups
Flying Fijians
1.Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3.Mesake Doge, 4.Isoa Nasilasila, 5.Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 6.Meli Derenalagi, 7. Levani Botia, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11.Vinaya Habosi, 12. Semi Radradra (c), 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Josua Tuisova, 15.Sireli Maqala; Reserves - 16. Sam Matavesi,17. Peni Ravai, 18. Luke Tagi, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21.Simione Kuruvoli, 22.Jiuta Wainiqolo, 23.Ilaisa Droasese
Manu Samoa
1. Jordan Lay, 2.Seilala Lam, 3. Michael Ala'alatoa (c), 4. Brian Alainu'u'ese, 5.Theodore McFarland, 6. Steven Lutua, 7.Alamanda Miotuga, 8. So'otala Fa'aso'o, 9. Melani Matavao, 10. Loma Sopoaga, 11. Ben Lam, 12, Tumua Manu, 13. Neria Foma'i, 14. Nigel Ah Wong, 15. Danny Toala; Reserves -16. Luteru Tolai, 17. James Lay, 18. Paul Alo-Emile, 19. Chris Vui, 20. Sa Jordan Taufua, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Christian Leali'ifano, 23. Ed Fidow.
