Flying Fijians to unleash a 121kg beast

The Vodafone Flying Fijians will unleash a 121kg beast who is compared to Sonny Bill Williams against the Wallabies this Saturday.

Inside centre Jale Vatubua will be given his international debut in Melbourne against Australia and ironically the giant was released by the Rebels before becoming a star in France’s Top 14.

Vatubua, who stands at 189cm and weighs 121kg, plays in the centres alongside All Blacks legend Conrad Smith at Pau and has fast become one of the dominant midfielders in the star‑studded competition.

Flying Fijian’s coach John McKee confirmed the 25‑year‑old had done enough to earn a starting debut.

McKee adds that Vatubua is a tall Sonny Bill Williams type who’s got an all‑round game, likes to get his hands through contact and offload, which add to his game.

With strike weapons Nemani Nadolo and Josua Tuisova not considered for the Melbourne Test, Vatubua will pose the biggest threat to the Wallabies’ defensive line.

Fiji has not beaten the Wallabies since 1954.

They have only won two of the 20 games played between the two nations, though the last time they met in Melbourne — in July 1961 — it finished in a 3‑all draw.

The Wallabies will host the Flying Fijians at 5pm Saturday.