Tabua plans for RWC stars

Fiji Times - Thursday, February 07, 2008 7:43 AM

PLANS are underway to have the Flying Fijians starting lineup for the last two matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup to be in action during Fiji's home games in the Pacific Nations Cup series.

This means the team which beat Wales 38-34 and lost 37-20 in the quarter-final to South Africa will take on the New Zealand Maori and Samoa in its PNC fixtures.

Most ply their trade abroad however, the notable omission will be Nicky Little who is still recovering from an injury he sustained in the dying minutes of the historic win against Wales .

Fiji meets Samoa on June 7 at Churchill Park and then clash with the Maori on June 14 at the National Stadium.

"Plans are underway to have all those players here and the starting team in action for the first time at home," Fiji coach Ilivasi Tabua said.

"Two particular reasons why we want this to happen.

"While we want the fans of Fiji to see their team in action at home, there are some players who are retiring and we want to have it as a testimonial match for them."

The reappointed coach is in the process of talking to all overseas-based players on their availability.

Most of the Europe-based players will finish their season towards the end of March, which would give them sufficient time to join Fiji.

"We have started talking to most of the players on basic things such as when they will be available and when they will be in the country," Tabua said.

There is still no response to Fiji's request for Test matches apart from the games in the PNC.

It is understood Ireland has rejected the offer to play a one-off Test match here, but there are still discussions being held with Canada and France.

Tabua said as it stood the only two matches which Fiji would play at home are against Samoa and the Maori.