Europe Diary Day 8 - Flying Fijians v. Scotland named 13 November, 2009 So they've been named - the 22 gladiators to battle Scotland. Glen Ella and his coaching staff have been pushing the players all week and the players have responded in the best possible fashion with commitment from every single one of them both on and off the field.

Local media here turned out in large numbers for the official announcement of the Fiji team. There was keen interest in the number of overseas based players in the side - 13 in all.

"Obviously the overseas based players are the ones who've got the runs on the board, they're the ones who've been performaing well week in and week out at the highest levels of the game, and they've done enough during training to convince Sam (Domoni), Mike (Brewer) and myself that they deserve to start," Ella said.

As the former coach of Scotland prior to Andy Robinson's arrival there was understandable interest in Mike Brewer's role in the team, particularly as he has the inside knowledge on the capabilities of all the Scottish players as well as most of the Irish, with Mike being the current coach of Leinster.

Mike Brewer training the forwards

Not a bad person to have on board when your first two tests are against Scotland and Ireland.

If I had to pick two players to watch out for in this team it would be Josh Matavesi and Asaeli Boko.

Josh has trained extremely well all week and looks a very gifted ball player with great hands and confidence under the high ball.

Boko at number eight looks an intriguing selection. Tall, lean, agile and quick this Nadi player is capable of a huge work load. Look to him to be all over the paddock on Saturday,  ably assisted no doubt by the powerful Akapusi Qera and the young Josefa Domolailai.

The latest player to join camp, earlier this afternoon, was Apolosi Satala who has bulked up considerably since last representing the Flying Fijians.

Apolosi looks very well considering he played just last night helping the Combined Service team defeat the Barbarians 21-19. I believe Apolosi actually claimed a try of his own while countryman Jack Prasad claimed the man of the match award.

Not a bad nights work for a couple of island boys!

It's interesting to note all the players, with the endorsement of the team management, have opted not to have the cibi - while this decision may raise the ire of traditionalists for those who've been following this team closely it's understandable.

The team is focused not only in beating Scotland but also in taking every opportunity to promote their faith - in this case the cibi is surplus to requirement.

In Scotland the weather remains grey, wet and cold. Next week's outlook in Ireland looks no brighter, while Romania doesn't even bare thinking about!

Take care all. Moce mada.