Fiji banking on man-mountain Josua Tuisova to make his mark against Ireland

Detailed summary

Injuries informed Fiji head coach Jake White’s selection for the Nations Championship match against Ireland, to a degree. He has been denied the services of brilliant…

Injuries informed Fiji head coach Jake White’s selection for the Nations Championship match against Ireland, to a degree. He has been denied the services of brilliant Bordeaux-Bègles fullback Salesi Rayasi and two backrows in flanker Pita Gus Sowakula and number eight Nathan Hughes.

White has kept just six of the starting team from the 54-17 defeat to France in Lyon for Saturday night’s clash at the Aviva Stadium (8.10pm). Wingers Selestino Ravutaumada of Racing 92 and Lyon’s Jiuta Wainiqolo are the only players retained in the backline.

Hooker Tevita Ikanivere, tighthead prop Luke Tagi, secondrow Isoa Nasilasila and flanker Mesake Vocevoce – he switches from secondrow – are the starters in the pack from the French game.

Sale Sharks wing Ponipate Loganimasi will make only his third appearance for Fiji at fullback, while White has opted for his two experienced halfbacks in outhalf Ben Volavola and Frank Lomani.

Two returning names should be well known to Ireland supporters, centre Josua ‘The Bus’ Tuisova and number eight Peceli Yato, once of Clermont Auvergne and now a team-mate of Luke McGrath’s at Perpignan.

The 32-year-old Tuisova has played more than 200 matches in the French Top 14, winning a Top 14 title and two Champions Cups at Toulon, as well as an Olympic Sevens gold medal with Fiji. His highlights reel is stacked with jaw-dropping moments of brutal physical power and blistering acceleration.

His clash with Bundee Aki will be a must-watch. The Irish centre could point to the last time they met in Dublin, when Aki racked up 17 carries, 176 metres and a try in a man-of-the-match display in 2024.

Off the field, Tuisova has applied his business acumen soundly, investing his rugby earnings in several business undertakings in Fiji. He is now, reportedly, a multimillionaire.

None of it was handed to him. Having dropped out of school early, he spent his formative years helping his father cut sugar cane in the town of Ba.

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Irish Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.