Salesi Rayasi debuts for Fiji at fullback against the Wallabies

Former New Zealand sevens rep Salesi Rayasi trains with the Flying Fijians in Sydney this week, ahead of Sunday’s Test against the Wallabies. He has been named to debut for the Fijians at fullback.
Photo: Supplied / Fiji Rugby Union

Former New Zealand sevens rep Salesi Rayasi has achieved what his dad did 30-odd years ago, after he was named in the Flying Fijians Test team to meet the Wallabies in Sydney on Sunday afternoon.

Not only has the player made it into the Fijian national side, he was also named at fullback, the position his dad Filipe excelled in for the Pacific islanders.

Filipe played for Fiji between 1994-1997.

The younger Rayasi was named by head coach Mick Byrne as the lone debutant in the starting lineup.

Having played for the Blues and the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, Salesi joined Vannes in the French Top 14, signalling his interest to leave New Zealand for Fiji.

Byrne included him in the squad last month.

He said Rayasi and some others who have joined the squad had brought a lot of experience and different assets to the team.

The Flying Fijians training in Sydney this week ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Wallabies.
Photo: Supplied / Fiji Rugby Union

Rayasi is the sole debutant in the run-on side, while Philip Baselala is in line to debut off the bench in the No. 21 jersey. Baselala is a former Fiji U20 halfback who played five matches for the Fijian Drua in 2025, starting against the Western Force and Queensland Reds.

“It’s exciting times for us,” coach Mick Byrne told reporters.

“All our players have come down from the north, who have gelled well together as a team and it’s an exciting opportunity for us to get in against Australia in Australia, especially in a Lions year when there’s a lot of excitement around.

“You can see in a couple of Super Rugby games that the Lions have played that the crowd are coming out so we’re really looking forward to a big crowd here on Sunday.

“We’re looking forward to showing everyone the growth we’ve had in this team over the last 12 months and moving on from the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the growth we’ve had in this team.”

Rayasi joins some of the best French Top 14 performers in winger Jiuta Wainiqolo, centre Josdua Tuisova and European Cup challenger Kalaveti Ravouvou.

Tevita Ikanivere captains the side from hooker, joined by Eroni Mawi and Peni Ravai in the front row.

Crack centre Josua Tuisova (facing camera) trains with the Flying Fijians in Sydney this week. He will play against the Wallabies on Sunday in Sydney.
Photo: Supplied / Fiji Rugby Union

Wallabies side

The Wallabies have named one Fijian-heritage player in their starting lineup and one on the bench.

Lani Gleeson gets a run upfront with the forward pack while Filipo Daugunu is expected to feature in the second spell.

Hooker Dave Porecki makes a return to the team after he led the side at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where the team were beaten by Fiji in pool play.

Head coach Joe Scmidt has named Harry Wilson as captain this time around.

Porecki is one of nine players backing up from the last clash between the two nations during the 2023 tournament in France, where Fiji posted their first victory over the Wallabies in 69 years, winning 22-15.

Schmidt said they were excited about the clash.

“The whole squad has worked hard on and off the field and reconnected well with a short runway from our assembly through to the Test on Sunday against Fiji,” Schmidt said in a statement.

“I think the players and the wider management are keen to get underway, especially in front of a big crowd here in Newcastle, as we kick off an exciting but incredibly demanding 2025 Test match schedule.”

Porecki will anchor an experienced front row of James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, while Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost are the locks after five appearances in 2024.

Gleeson will start at blindside flanker, with Fraser McReight on the other side of the scrum.

This Test in Newcastle between Fiji and Australia will get underway at 1:30pm local time, or 3:30pm Fiji and New Zealand time on Sunday afternoon.

The Flying Fijians match-day 23: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3. Peni Ravai, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Iosefo Balewairiki Masi,14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 15. Salesi Rayasi; Bench – 16. Sam Matavesi, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Philip Baselala, 22. Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, 23. Sireli Maqala.

The Wallabies match-day 23: 1. James Slipper, 2. David Porecki, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Jeremy Williams, 6. Langi Gleeson, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Max Jorgensen, 12. Len Ikitau, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15.Tom Wright; Bench – 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Nic White, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Filipo Daugunu.

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