Big guns back for Fiji ahead of Pacific Nations Cup

Fiji head coach John McKee has named a 27-man squad for their opening match of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup against Japan on Saturday.

The nine players who remained in Fiji and missed the final Test match against the Maori All Blacks have been included in the extended squad.

Eroni Mawi, Manasa Saulo, Mesulame Dolokoto, Leone Nakarawa, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Peceli Yato, Ben Volavola and Levani Botia departed Fiji on Sunday for Japan.

“We are taking a very strong squad to Japan for the important first round of the PNC,” said coach McKee.

“The players who remained in Fiji last week underwent specific physical conditioning so I expect them to come fitter and fresh this week.

McKee said the players have left behind the 26-17 loss to the Maori All Blacks and have turned their focus on defending the Pacific Nations Cup title.

“We expect Japan to play a very up tempo game. Once again we will have to work very hard in our defensive system and look to dominate the physical collisions,” he revealed.

He added that 18 players that were part of the Test match in Rotorua remain with the side and highlighted that the last two matches against the Maori All Blacks were quite positive for the team.

He said: “There have been some good learnings from our two matches against the Maori All Blacks and players have benefited from the physical matches over the past two weeks.

Fiji squad

Forwards: Lee-Roy Atalifo, Campese Ma’afu, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Kalivati Tawake, Mesulame Dolokoto, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Sam Matavesi, Leone Nakarawa, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Albert Tuisue, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato

Backs: Frank Lomani, Henry Seniloli, Alivereti Veitokani, Ben Volavola, Levani Botia, Waisea Nayacalevu, Jale Vatubua, Filipo Nakosi, Patrick Osbourne, Josh Matavesi, Kini Murimurivalu