The Japan Times - Muntz eager to 'unleash weapons' from Fiji backline against France

Among those outside him, Muntz will have Racing 92 centre Josua Tuisova, Bristol midfielder Kalaveti Ravouvou and Lyon winger Jiuta Wainiqolo in this weekend's game in Bordeaux.

The trio follow a long line of mercurial attackers from the small Pacific Island, capable of can creating tries out of nothing.

"With all the weapons that we have in our backline, it's very important that I'm kind of the one just to unleash them," Muntz told AFP on Thursday.

"I don't need to do too much, which is kind of a blessing for me.

"I don't have to be relying on making any game-changing plays," the 26-year-old added.

Playmaker Muntz was born on New Zealand's north island and qualifies for the rugby-mad nation through his grandparents, with his German surname coming from his father's side of the family.

After graduating from Hamilton Boys' School he joined Fijian Drua for six years and this season has moved to France, with ambitious second-tier club Provence, based in the southern city of Aix-en-Provence.

Muntz has scored 33 points in three ProD2 appearances, including a superb try on his debut for the club, who are aiming for promotion to the glamorous Top 14.

- 'Electric' Maqala -

"I played a lot of my rugby in the Fijian system," Muntz said.

"It was the right time for me to experience a different type of rugby.

"When you're playing international rugby when the weather becomes terrible and you need to slow things down and tighten things up, you need to get used to playing the game a little bit more slower.

"I can bring that into the team," the 21-time international added.

Muntz is one of seven France-based players in Fiji's matchday squad.

Powerhouse Tuisova and fleet-footed Wainiqolo are joined by Racing 92 winger Selestino Ravutaumada, Bordeaux-Begles full-back Salesi Rayasi and Clermont back-rower Pita Gus Sowakula in the starting lineup.

Bayonne's in-form centre Sireli Maqala must make do with a place on the bench despite crossing four times in seven league games this term.

"He's just so electric," Muntz said.

"He's not a big dude, but he's powerful, he's quick, he's got good vision.

"He kind of sees things that we don't even see and he makes a break almost every time he touches the ball," Muntz added.

This weekend, Muntz will be facing Bleus fly-half Romain Ntamack, who has been a consistent part of Fabien Galthie's set-up since the former scrum-half took over in December 2019.

"He's been a world-class player for a long time now," Muntz said of Ntamack

"In terms of French 10s, I think especially Romain and a few of the others, Matthieu Jalibert and all those guys, they're world-class players," he added.

H.Hayashi--JT