FIJI Water Flying Fijians vs England: A Match Commemorating History
Head Coach Mick Byrne has named a formidable game-day squad for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians’ much-anticipated rematch against England this weekend, a fixture steeped in a 50-year history that will be honoured with a poignant act of remembrance.
The match, a highlight of the autumn internationals for Fiji fans, carries added significance as the teams commemorate their long-standing rivalry, which began at Fiji’s Buckhurst Park back in 1973. In a powerful gesture of respect, players from both sides will wear jerseys featuring a poppy, symbolising shared remembrance.
“There’s been a lot of people before us both in Fiji and England that have done an enormous amount of work for the future that we now live in,” Coach Byrne remarked. “We are living now because of the people before us. I think that’s what we should remember. We are celebrating the lives of those who’ve created this opportunity for us to live this life.”
This tribute aligns with Fiji’s observance of Remembrance Day on November 11th, which honours Fijian soldiers who have fallen or served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. A moment of respect, including a two-minute silence, will be observed before kick-off, commemorating the sacrifices of military personnel from both nations.
Despite the reverence for history, the current contest presents a stark challenge. According to a probability poll by Rugby Pass, World Rugby’s media arm, Fiji is given only an 11% chance of victory, compared to England’s 88%, with a 1% chance of a draw.
The historical record has long favoured England. The rivalry began with a nail-biting 13-12 win for England in that first 1973 encounter. For decades, the story remained consistent: close fights on Fijian soil, like the 25-21 result in 1988, and heavy defeats for Fiji at Twickenham, including World Cup losses in 1999 and 2015.
However, the narrative was dramatically rewritten in 2023.
In a seismic upset, the Flying Fijians stormed Twickenham and secured a historic 30-23 victory over England. The two teams met again just months later in the Rugby World Cup at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome, a venue that marked the first time in over five decades their clash was held outside of Fiji or Twickenham.
Meanwhile, Coach Mick Byrne’s line-up will be a force with the forward pack anchored by a strong front row of Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, and Mesake Doge. The second row sees the towering partnership of Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua, while the back row is comprised of Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata on the flanks, with the dynamic Viliame Mata starting at number 8.
In the backs, Simione Kuruvoli will direct play from halfback, partnering with fly-half Caleb Muntz, who will steer a dangerous backline. The midfield features a powerful combination of Josua Tuisova at inside center and Kalaveti Ravouvou at outside center. Out wide, the explosive Jiuta Wainiqolo is on one wing, with the elusive Selestino Ravutaumada on the other.
Impact Players: The bench includes Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Motikai Murray, Sam Why, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, and Sireli Maqala.
The match this weekend kick-off at 5.40pm local time at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday 8th November, while the LIVE broadcast will be watched by fans in Fiji via Sky Pacific on Sunday 9th November at 5.40am.