Fiji name strong side for Japan clash
Fiji head coach John McKee has included a wealth of experience in his squad for their opening game of the Pacific Nations Cup against Japan.
Prop Eroni Mawi starts in the front-row together with Manasa Saulo and hooker Sam Matavesi.
Leone Nakarawa and Albert Tuisue again partner up in the second-row while skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Semi Kunatani will be on the flanks. Viliame Mata returns at number eight.
In the backs, Frank Lomani comes in at scrum-half, Ben Volavola is at fly-half while Alivereti Veitokani moves to full-back. The powerful combination of Waisea Nayacalevu and Levani Botia strengthens the midfield.
Filipo Nakosi starts his third straight match on the wing while Patrick Osbourne is also named.
“We’re getting further down our journey towards the Rugby World Cup and have a stronger understanding of our game plans and our systems,” McKee said ahead of the match.
“I’m thrilled to have been able to name such a strong squad for the match against Japan.”
McKee said it’s really important for the team to win the physical collision against the Brave Blossoms.
“We did that against the Maori All Blacks in Suva. It is important that we repeat that type of dominance against Japan,” he added.
“They will play a very up tempo and a very fast game so we need to work very hard in our defensive system and effort to deny Japan opportunities to score.”
Fiji: 15 Alivereti Veitokani, 14 Filipo Nakosi, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Levani Botia, 11 Patrick Osbourne, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Semi Kunatani, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Albert Tuisue, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Lee-Roy Atalifo, 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Jale Vatubua, 23 Josh Matavesi
Date: Saturday, July 27
Venue: Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium
Kick-off: 14:50 local (19:50 BST, 18:50 GMT)
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant Referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland), Cam Stone (New Zealand)