The return of the Europe-based brings quality to the Flying Fijians squad for this weekend’s Test match against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

This was the view of Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne during an interview with The Offside Line.

The Flying Fijians played without their Europe-based players in their 57-17 loss to Scotland last weekend. However, early this week, 11 of their Europe-based players have joined the team.

“Obviously we want our Northern Hemisphere players,” Byrne said.

“They are high quality players playing tough rugby in France and England week in and week out. They bring a hard-nosed approach to Test rugby.”

The Europe-based players who are likely to start against Wales are Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Sam Matavesi, Albert Tuisue, co-captain Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Vilimoni Botitu, Sireli Maqala, Josua Tuisova and Jiuta Wainiqolo.

Meanwhile, Wales assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys said they need to get the processes and everything about what they try to do on a day-to-day basis right.

“Then we have got more chance of getting over the line and getting that win,” he said.

“We have got a huge amount of respect for them (Fiji), but the first port of call is us. If we get that right then we will be okay but if we get over-anxious about what they could bring, we are sort of going away from what we need to do to win.”

Wales have lost nine successive Tests since defeating Georgia during the last World Cup and it will be a record-equalling reversal of 10 in a row if Fiji triumphs on Monday (Fiji time). The match kicks-off at 1.40am.

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