Fiji coach Mick Byrne praises Townsend and Tuipulotu

Byrne spent three seasons in the Scotland set-up, working as a skills coach during Matt Williams disastrous time in charge.  

Byrne took over as head coach of the Flying Fijians following Simon Raiwalui’s departure after last year’s World Cup, where the Fijians made the quarter-finals before losing to England.  

And while Williams’ decision to axe Townsend from his squad as a player ultimately ended the current coach’s international career, Byrne remains full of praise for the Scotland boss. 

Mick Byrne knows the Scotland boss from his time working for Scottish Rugby during Townsend's playing days (Image: SNS) "I just liked the way he saw the game as a ten - he took opportunities, if there was a weakness in the defence he tried to go after it and I really enjoyed that about him. 

“He’s got his side playing very similar so we have to be on our best defensively this weekend and be ready for anything.” 

Byrne also revealed his admiration for new Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu. The pair worked together at Melbourne Rebels before Tuipulotu left his native Australia for Glasgow via a spell in Japan.  

Byrne said: "It is a great honour for him to be leading Scotland out and I wish him all the best. 

Byrne praised new Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu (Image: SNS)

“He’s a great young man, I’ve got a lot of respect for him, and I’m really looking forward to catching up.” 

Asked whether he saw Tuipulotu’s potential during his time at the Rebels, Byrne replied: "When I worked with him at the Rebels, he was hard-working and he was a hard-running player.  

“I always felt he was destined to continue his career. I was interested to see when he popped up in Scotland, but certainly as a young player he worked hard and what I liked about him was he was tough.  

“If he’s kept up and grown his qualities, he will have turned into an outstanding leader.  

“I’m looking forward to putting my arm round him on Saturday and congratulating him on his journey.” 

With the match falling outside the international window, the visitors will be without some of their big names.  

Former captain Waisea Nayacalevu is among those missing, as are box-office stars Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra.  

Fiji will be without their European-based players, including Waisea Nayacalevu, against Scotland (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire) Just six of the squad Byrne has selected for Saturday’s match, which is solely picked from Super Rugby side Fijian Drua, played in the World Cup quarter-final.  

While there are two uncapped players on the bench, the squad does have plenty of experience of playing together at club level, while the majority were involved in the Pacific Nations Cup win earlier this year.  

Former Glasgow Warriors man Mesu Dolokoto is named on the bench as the back-up to captain Tevita Ikanivere at hooker. 

Fiji: Isaiah Ravula; Vuate Karawalevu, Apisalome Vota, Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata 

Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Simi Kuruvoli, Kemueli Valetini, Waqa Nalaga