French flavour to Fiji squad for Wallabies, Scotland tests

Fiji named a strong squad headlined by 10 France-based players and five from England to face Scotland and the Wallabies next month – Australia's only international before hosting the British and Irish Lions.

Coach Mick Byrne's 32-strong squad features a mix of experienced internationals and rising stars, drawing talent from top-tier English and French clubs and the Fijian Drua Super Rugby franchise.

The powerhouse backline includes European stars such as Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes).

Veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester) will pack down among the forwards.

Fiji play Joe Schmidt's Australia in Newcastle on July 6 before hosting Gregor Townsend's Scotland in Suva a week later.

"Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides and we know the level we need to rise to," said Byrne.

"This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud."

Forwards: Eroni Mawi (Saracens/ENG), Luke Tagi (Bayonne/FRA), Haereiti Hetet (Fijian Drua), Mesake Doge (Fijian Drua), Peni Ravai (Fijian Drua), Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon/FRA), Kavaia Tagivetaua (Fijian Drua), Isoa Nasilasila (Fijian Drua), Mesake Vocevoce (Fijian Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton/ENG), Setareki Turagacoke (Stade Francais/FRA), Viliame Mata (Bristol/ENG), Elia Canakaivata (Fijian Drua), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Pau/FRA), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester/ENG), Etonia Waqa (Fijian Drua), Motikai Murray (Fijian Drua)

Backs: Simione Kuruvoli (Fijian Drua), Philip Baselala (Fijian Drua), Sam Wye (Hawke's Bay/NZL), Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua) Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Fijian Drua), Vilimoni Botitu (Castres/FRA), Josua Tuisova (Racing 92/FRA), Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki (Fijian Drua), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne/FRA), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Bristol/ENG), Ponipate Loganimasi (Fijian Drua), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon/FRA), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua), Salesi Rayasi (Vannes/FRA)

JONES TELLS JAPAN TO RUN WOUNDED WALES 'OFF THEIR FEET' IN THE HEAT

Elsewhere, Eddie Jones said Thursday he wants Japan to "run Wales off their feet" in two tests next month while conceding he had made mistakes in an underwhelming return to coaching the Brave Blossoms.

A wounded Wales head to Japan having lost their last 17 tests – a record for a Tier One country in the professional era – including a humiliating 68-14 thrashing by England in Cardiff.

The pugnacious Australian Jones is also looking for a morale-boosting win after mixed results since he returned to lead Japan at the start of last year.

The former Wallabies and England head coach said it was "a good time and a bad time" to face Wales, who will be missing Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan to British and Irish Lions duty.

"Obviously having 17 losses in a row dents the confidence of the team and as a result they've only got two Lions players," Jones said after announcing his squad for a training camp ahead of the games.

"Normally on a tour like this you'd expect eight or nine players to be out, so they'll be basically full-strength."

Wales will again be led by caretaker coach Matt Sherratt, who took over midway through the Six Nations following Warren Gatland's unsuccessful second stint in charge.

Jones predicted that the "law of averages" meant Wales's losing streak would end soon.

But he said the heat and humidity in Kitakyushu and Kobe could give Japan an advantage.

"We're hoping that it's a nice hot day, the sun comes out and we can really run Wales off their feet," said Jones, who first led Japan in 2012-2015.

Japan have won four games and lost seven since Jones came back, and were beaten by 40 points or more by New Zealand, France and England last year.

The 65-year-old admitted that he had made mistakes.

"Coming back to Japan, I didn't understand how much Japanese rugby had changed, how the players' thinking had changed," he said.

"Did I coach well last year? No, I don't think I coached very well last year, 100 per cent. So I've taken that on board."