Fiji name extended squad for Rugby World Cup 2011

7 more, who are injured, are to be added at a later stage-

Fiji squad: Seremaia Baikeinuku, Vitoria Buatava, Sireli Bobo, Ilikena Bolakoro, Tevita Cavubati, Waisea Daveta, Adriu Delai, Graham Dewes, Ravai Fatiaki, Vereniki Goneva, Sekonaia Kalou, Sunia Koto, Sisa Koyamaibole, Wame Lewaravu, Nicky Little, Gabriele Lovobalavu, Waisale Luveniyali, Campese Ma'afu, Penijamini Makutu, Deacon Manu, Taniela Maravunawasawasa, Masi Matadigo, Joshua Matavesi, Kini Murimurivalu, Timoci Nagusa, Jimilai Naikadawa, Jone Nailiko, Sireli Naqelevuki, Akapusi Qera, Seru Rabeni, Malakai Ravulo, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Setefano Samoca, Nemia Serelevu, Netani Talei, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Waisale Vatuvoka, Viliame Veikoso, Malakai Volau, Napolioni Vonowale, Albert Vulivuli, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Apisalome Waqatabu.

Looks like quite a few untested players in there, and I can't see Nilanga in there who is a great winger....

Nalaga? He's had all kinds of personal problems- sounds like depression. He left Clermont and as far as I know hasn't signed for anyone else and is back in Fiji. Such a shame.

I suppose this settles it; Nacewa to stay at Leinster during the Rugby World Cup. Shame, I think he would have done exceptionally well.

As usual, the front row is a problem. There's some good players and depth at lock and back row though.

Notch wrote:Nalaga? He's had all kinds of personal problems- sounds like depression. He left Clermont and as far as I know hasn't signed for anyone else and is back in Fiji. Such a shame.

Really I had no idea.....

Notch,

He might be one of those 7 that they are waiting on.

Caucau also hasn't been named which is odd.

MBTGOG wrote:Caucau also hasn't been named which is odd.

He's not exactlty a favourite of the Fijian Rugby Union

He's not, but he was selected pretty recently in last years Test against Australia.

Reading on an Australian website that Napolioni Nalaga has turned up to the Fiji trials saying he wants to play in the World Cup.

wow really Munsty? Isn't he the one who is having a few personal problems so hasn't been playing rugby for a while? Be interesting to see if he's given a chance.

Yeah Dreamer, his fiancée was knocked down by a car or got really ill or something to that extent.

But he SUPPOSEDLY said that he wouldn't mind playing at the World Cup as it is much closer to home.

The thing is that, although most of those names are unheard of, Fiji always bring a decent squad to World Cup tournaments and the thing that amazes me to this day is the sheer depth of natural talent that they seem to possess.

well, he has a point if he did say that. Guess for family/personal reasons it would be easier on him. Just have to wait and see how it develops.

SB,

They certainly do and you' think that if the infrastructure was better in the country, they could be a more consistent presence at the top of the world stage.

Oh and it looks like there will be a tug of war over the services of Jerry Yanuyanutawa between Fiji and the Brumbies.

It would be a great boost for Fiji as they certainly need all the decent props they can get.

Napolioni Vonowale is Napolioni Nalaga, so he is in the squad.

Rupeni Caucaunibuca has also decided to concentrate on his club career and will remain in Toulouse over the summer and next season.

Strongest team:

1. Graham Dewes
2. Sunia Koto
3. Deacon Manu
4. Wame Lewaravu
5. Jone Qovu
6. Jimilai Nakaidawa
7. Akapusi Qera
8. Sakiusa Matadigo

9. Nemia Kenatale
10. Seremaia Bai
11. Sireli Bobo
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13. Albert Vulivuli
14. Timoci Nagusa
15. Isa Nacewa?

16. Viliame Veikoso
17. Campese Ma'afu
18. Ifereimi Rawaqa
19. Sisa Koyamaibole
20. Waisale Vatuvoka
21. Nicky Little
22. Napolioni Nalaga