Fiji without Matawalu against Wales

Editor

Fiji head coach John McKee has named his team to face Wales in their clash at Millennium Stadium on Thursday, with Nikola Matawalu missing out.

The Islanders will field their most experienced XV at a World Cup. The 392 caps in the XV is one more than they fielded in their match against England.

Matawalu is not in the matchday squad, meaning Nemia Kenatale starts at scrum-half.

Newly called-up wing Timoci Nagusa, the top scorer in the 2015/2016 Top 14 competition in France with four tries in four matches, comes straight in at right wing in place of the injured Waisea Nayacalevu.

Captain Akapusi Qera will be the third player to win 50 caps for Fiji, following Nicky Little (71) and Seremaia Bai (50).

Qera and hooker Sunia Koto will both play against Wales for a record fifth time, equalling Seremaia Bai's mark.

Loosehead prop Campbell Ma'afu was red-carded (after being shown a second yellow) the last time these teams met. Fiji lost that match 17-13 at the Millennium Stadium last November.

Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Lepani Botia, 11 Aseli Tikoirotuma, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Akapusi Qera (c), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Maafu.
Replacements: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravia, 18 Leeroy Atalifo, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Kini Murimurivalu.

Date: Thursday, October 1
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 16:45 local
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Mathieu Raynal (France)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)