By Tionssalesi Rayasi
The 27-year-old Salesi Rayasi previously made 50 Super Rugby appearances for the Hurricanes and was part of New Zealand鈥檚 sevens squad from 2018 to 2020. (Image Credit – X)
Salesi Rayasi, a former New Zealand rugby sevens player, is set to make his test debut for Fiji, following in the footsteps of his father, Filipe Rayasi, when he starts at fullback in Sunday鈥檚 clash against Australia in Newcastle.Rayasi, now playing for RC Vannes in France, is one of two uncapped players named in Mick Byrne鈥檚 match-day squad, alongside Fijian Drua scrumhalf Philip Baselala, who could debut off the bench. The 27-year-old previously made 50 Super Rugby appearances for the Hurricanes and was part of New Zealand鈥檚 sevens squad from 2018 to 2020.Choosing to represent Fiji is a personal and symbolic move for Rayasi, honoring his heritage and his father, who earned 13 caps for the Pacific island nation, primarily at fullback – the same position his son will now occupy.Fiji are aiming to secure their first win on Australian soil in over 70 years as they face the Wallabies on Sunday, buoyed by their memorable 22-15 victory over Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.Live EventsHead coach Mick Byrne has made significant changes to the side that last took the field in November, when they suffered a heavy 52-17 defeat to Ireland. Eight new faces have been introduced to the starting XV, including Bristol Bears’ Bill Mata, who starts at number eight, pushing Elia Canakaivata to openside flanker. Simione Kuruvoli replaces Frank Lomani at scrumhalf, while Tevita Ikanivere retains the captaincy after co-leading the side in Dublin.The midfield pairing of Iosefo Masi from Fijian Drua and Racing 92 powerhouse Josua Tuisova adds physicality and flair, posing a serious threat to Australia’s center combination of Joseph Suaalii and Len Ikitau. Team:15-Salesi Rayasi, 14-Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13-Iosefo Masi, 12-Josua Tuisova, 11-Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10-Caleb Muntz, 9-Simione Kuruvoli, 8-Bill Mata, 7-Elia Canakaivata, 6-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 3-Peni Ravai, 2-Tevita Ikanivere (capt), 1-Eroni MawiReplacements: 16-Sam Matavesi, 17-Haereiti Hetet, 18-Mesake Doge, 19-Mesake Vocevoce, 20-Albert Tuisue, 21-Philip Baselala, 22-Isaiah Ravula, 23-Sireli Maqala(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News onSalesi RayasiFiji rugbyAustralia rugbyMick ByrneRugby Australiatevita ikaniverephilip baselalaFilipe Rayasi
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onSalesi RayasiFiji rugbyAustralia rugbyMick ByrneRugby Australiatevita ikaniverephilip baselalaFilipe Rayasi(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
Explore More Stories123