Fiji keep faith with starting XV as star duo return to squad via the bench

Fiji have made just one enforced change to the starting XV that defeated England for the first time ever two weeks ago.

Head coach Simon Raiwalui has therefore kept faith with the side that overcame the Red Rose at Twickenham.

That 30-22 victory at the ‘home of rugby’ was historic for the visitors and they will look to follow up that result by beating Wales in their first match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Fly-half blow

The Pacific Islanders were dealt a blow on the eve of the tournament, however, when playmaker Caleb Muntz, who has impressed this year, was ruled out due to a knee injury.

He has been replaced in the XV by Teti Tela, who partners Frank Lomani at half-back.

Tela has a big job on his hands to get his team in the right areas in the way Muntz did at Twickenham.

The reserve pivot has plenty of talent outside him to take the pressure off in the form of Semi Radradra and captain Waisea Nayacalevu in the midfield, while wings Selestino Ravutaumada and Vinaya Habosi shone against England.

Fiji’s backline is completed by Ilaisa Droasese, who is another dangerous runner off counter-attack.

Raiwalui also has quality at his disposal in the back-row with Viliame Mata, Lekima Tagitagivalu and Albert Tuisue combining.

The head coach has resisted the temptation to start Levani Botia, despite the La Rochelle man’s immense quality, but he is there on the bench to make an impact in the second period.

Finally, the front five held up well against England and once again there is a big onus on props Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi, as well as hooker Sam Matavesi, to lay a platform in the set-piece.

Locks Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta and Isoa Nasilasila also did a decent job in their last match and are entrusted in the second-row.

Impressive impact

On the bench, another big player returns in the shape of powerhouse Josua Tuisova, while hooker Tevita Ikanivere is also back in the squad after shining against France.

Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Simione Kuruvoli and Sireli Maqala are the other replacements.

Raiwalui said: “We have been building towards this game and everyone has worked hard since the time we gathered in Taveuni. It’s an amazing group of players and everyone is looking forward to Sunday.

“This team is all about doing what is the next challenge and how we improve each week. They have been working everyday and pushing themselves to the limit.

“We want to create something for us and for the people and we are working towards it.”

The team

Fiji: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Semi Radradra, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6 Albert Tuisue, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Levani Botia, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Josua Tuisova, 23 Sireli Maqala

Date: Sunday, September 10
Venue: Stade de Bordeaux
Kick-off: 21:00 local (20:00 BST, 19:00 GMT)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

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