Semi Radradra misses France game after positive Covid test
Semi Radradra in Fidji during the World Cup Japan 2019, Pool D rugby union match between Georgia and Fiji on October 3, 2019 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka, Japan
Vern Cotter has named his Fiji side to take on France in the Autumn Nations Cup, with captain Semi Radradra missing out after testing positive for Covid-19.
Nine players will earn their first cap for the Flying Fijians. Number eight Johnny Dyer and flankers Mesulame Kunavula and Kitione Kamikamica have been named in the starting line-up while Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hatet, Samuela Tawake, Temo Manayavanua, Manueli Ratuniyarawa and Simione Kuruvoli are on the bench.
Cotter has named a very experienced backline against France at Stade de la Rabine Stadium in Vannes.
He has maintained the halves combination of Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola, with Nemani Nadolo returning on the left wing, and he will be assisting Volavola with the kicking.
Levani Botia named captain
The powerful Josua Tuisova will be on the right while Waisea Nayacalevu and Levani Botia will control the midfield and full-back Kini Murimurivalu will guide the team from the back.
Cotter said: “We have a very established backline who have played together for many tests and I expect them to be lethal if given quality possession.”
Radradra’s absence means that fellow centre Botia has been named the captain of the side.
Cotter said: “Botia brings in a lot of experience to the game. He has been a very good leader on and off the field plus the younger players look up to him as a role model.”
Cotter and his new coaching team have not made any major changes in the playing style but have brought in a little bit of structure.
“Most of these players are among the most instinctive players in world,” he said.
“We don’t want to restrict their instinct of open running rugby but we just want to strengthen our set-piece and create an environment where there is proper system that can get the best out of our players when we have possession or when we are defending.
“The players are very much aware and are focused on improving our set-pieces and structures as this side wants to be the best Fijian team ever.”
Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Levani Botia, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Johnny Dyer, 7 Kitione Kamikamica, 6 Mesulame Kunavula, 5 Albert Tuisue, 4 Tevita Ratuva, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Peni Ravai
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Manueli Ratuniyarawa, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Serupepeli Vularika, 23 Setareki Tuicuvu
Date: Sunday, November 15
Venue: Stade de la Rabine, Vannes
Kick-off: 16:15 local (15:15 GMT)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Marius Mitrea (Italy)