Semi Radradra shifted as Josua Tuisova at 12 for Fiji against Australia

Dylan Coetzee
Fijian duo Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra during a Test at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Fijian duo Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra during a Test at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Bruising ball carrier Josua Tuisova has been elevated to the starting line-up as he has been named at 12 for Fiji, who face Australia this weekend.

Tuisova is joined in the centres by in-form captain Waisea Nayacalevu, with star man Semi Radradra moving onto the left wing for the Saint-Etienne clash.

Juita Wainiqolo starts on the right wing while Ilaisa Droasese gets another run at full-back.

Teti Tela continues at 10

In the half-backs, fly-half Teti Tela is joined by scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli for the big Test against the Wallabies.

Committed ball-carrying number eight Viliame Mata starts again as he will be looking to build on last weekend’s efforts. Joining him in the back-row are flanks Levani Botia and Lekima Tagitagivalu, who will be influential for the Flying Fijians.

In the tight five Te Ahiwaru Ciridaveta and Isoa Nasilasila make up the second-row whilst hooker Sam Matavesi is joined by props Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi.

On the bench, hooker Tevita Ikanivere and props Peni Ravai and Mesake Doge are the front-row options. Temo Mayanavanua and Albert Tuisue round out the forward replacements.

Experienced scrum-half Frank Lomani is joined by Vilomoni Botitu and Vinaya Habosi as the backline options for head coach Simon Raiwalui.

The team

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

Date: Sunday, September 17
Venue: Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Etienne
Kick-off: 17:45 local (16:45 BST, 15:45 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (SARU), Chris Busby (IRFU)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)

READ MORE: David Campese exclusive: ‘Bloody awful’ All Blacks to fall in quarter-finals