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.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Jez In 3 of 3 games (?) Ive seen Kemu play, he came on and kicked 'last minute' or 'post final bell' kicks, enabling Fiji to win all 3. Clutch kicker extrordinaire! Cheers KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Damn. Teti and Ben are fine. But Muntz so confident, in key position, I feel adds to mental strength across the park. Good luck Fiji! Cheers KP
Messy Jog
Roar Rookie
Just telling you the odds - they're not favourites and it's not close. You might know better than the bookies, but the list of people who've made their fortune from beating the bookies is a lot shorter than the list of those who've gone broke trying.
donmcdazzle
Roar Rookie
Muntz actually looks a real good player - how was he lost to the NZ systems I wonder. Given the exodus next year at 10 he'd be half a chance of being our starting 10!
Ajaxx
Roar Rookie
Both still not as bad as Moung`as shocker at the 2019 RWC Semi.
Mel R
Roar Rookie
Tokona KL, Looking at the way Fiji wants to play I would see Drua 10 Tela as natural replacement. Do'nt see Volavola being bought in as injury cover, reckon in form olympic gold 7s gold medalist Botitu would be the most likely player as he offers something different and plys his trade at T14 club Castres in France.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Yes he's the glue that they need.
Highlander
Roar Guru
Hamilton Boys product, low error rate, good boot - perfect for this Fiji side
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
And Australia! :silly:
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Yes I’d just given him and the Drua big wraps in my “weak side of the draw” article too :unhappy: What a performance against England and what an impact the Drua is having on the national team.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Wales yes, not Australia. Well they could've with Muntz
Guess
Roar Rookie
Oh no he was a heart of their team. I was thinking they gonna win against Wales now they won't
Sydney Slug
Roar Rookie
What a wuss. Put your money where your mouth is.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
yep good reason to not pick players for one world cup on the hope they will be better for it next world cup. Eg Jorgenson Donaldson and Kemeny
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
I really hope they back Teti Tela. I think he has been underused by the Drua and historically by the Fiji test side. And before that overlooked by the Reds. He's very good and deserves time in the driver's seat for an extended period of time. Instead of constantly tossed out looking for something more and better that never is there with others.
MO
Roar Rookie
Hi Christy I’ve mentioned this before if I go to the pod cast tab I get 15 july. Can you and Tony get this fixed please so the tab connection is up to date. Cheers
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
I rate Teti Telea big time. He has had some brilliant performances for the Drua. He adds a nice balance to Fijis game as he is a good organiser. This is a plus for them
Nobody
Roar Rookie
Would be nice to see the brothers clash!
Nobody
Roar Rookie
Nooo! I was looking forward to seeing Fiji smash Wales
Kai Levuka
Roar Rookie
Hopefully Botitu.