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Fiji’s Rugby World Cup hopes have been rocked on the eve of the tournament getting underway, with young fly-half Caleb Muntz to miss the campaign.
The first-choice player, who led Fiji to their historic maiden victory over England at Twickenham late last month, suffered a knee-injury in training on Monday and has consequently been ruled out.
It’s a devastating blow just days out from Fiji’s opening clash against Wales, where they will meet Warren Gatland’s side on Sunday in Bordeaux.
“On Monday, Caleb sustained a knee injury in a non-contact session and is out of the Rugby World Cup,” Fiji’s head coach Simon Raiwalui said.
“It’s most devastating for us as a group and for Caleb, he has worked so hard for the past two years with the Fijian Drua and for Flying Fijians.
“We feel for him as a young man he misses the opportunity so close to the Rugby World Cup.”
Caleb Muntz has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with a knee injury. (Photo by Karl Bridgeman/Getty Images)
Munt’s Fiji Drua teammate Teti Tela is now likely to wear the No.10 jersey, while two-time World Cup squad member Ben Volvavola could be drafted in.
The 32-year-old has featured prominently for the Flying Fijians over the past two World Cups and recently moved to French club Agen.
“We have got 33 players and we have the utmost confidence in them,” Raiwalui added.
“Once we name the team for the match against Wales we will have utmost faith in whom we have selected.”
Simon Raiwalui will have to call up another player into his 33-man squad after losing his fly-half. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Fiji have a difficult start to their Pool C, with the Island Nation to take on Wales first up and then meet the Wallabies in Saint Etienne.
Raiwalui’s side head into the tournament ranked sixth on World Rugby’s rankings, three places ahead of the Wallabies.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.