Warren Gatland spotted screaming in terror after reading Fiji squad
It is just going from bad to worse at the moment for Wales boss Warren Gatland. In the brief moments where his front line players are not announcing their shock retirements, he is unceremoniously publicly dropping players for being too unfit.
While the internal problems are bad enough, Simon Raiwalui’s 46-man Fiji squad for upcoming July Tests is not going to make him feel any better. Fiji face Tonga, Samoa and Japan before the squad is whittled down before the World Cup.
Wales know they have a challenge on their hands in Pool C with Eddie Jones’ Australia and Georgia, who beat Wales in the autumn, before even looking at this Fiji squad, which is brimming with elite talent.
Fiji are always going to have impressive backs, but their back row is formidable going into this World Cup, and with the added bonus of 23 players representing Fijian Drua, they are even going to be a well oiled machine in France as well.
Fiji progressed out of their pool ahead of Wales in France in 2007, and Gatland will be all too aware that it will be tough work to prevent history repeating itself.
Take a look at the Fiji squad:
Fiji Water Flying Fijians 46-member wider squad:
Loosehead Prop
Peni Ravai
Haereti Hetet
Eroni Mawi
Meli Tuni*
Hooker
Samuela Matavesi
Tevita Ikanivere
Zuriel Togiatama*
Mesulame Dolokoto
Tighthead Prop
Mesake Doge
Luke Tagi
Samu Tawake
Jone Koroiduadua*
Second Row
Isoa Nasilasila
Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
Temo Mayanavanua
Utility Forwards
Albert Tuisue
Peceli Yato
Lekima Tagitagivalu*
Joseva Tamani*
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Back row
Levani Botia
Viliame Mata
Meli Derenalagi*
Vilive Miramira*
Kitione Kamikamica
Halfback
Frank Lomani
Simione Kuruvoli
Peni Matawalu
Fly-half
Teti Tela
Caleb Muntz*
Ben Volavola
Inside Centre
Josua Tuisova
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Adrea Cocagi
Outside Centre
Waisea Nayacalevu
Iosefo Masi*
Seta Tamanivalu
Back Three
Vinaya Habosi
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Selestino Ravutaumada*
Ilaisa Drosese
Setareki Tuicuvu
Utility
Semi Radradra
Sireli Maqala
Vilimoni Botitu
Key: * Uncapped Players
