Strong look to Fiji for Tonga clash in Auckland
Fiji head coach John McKee has named an experienced side to face Tonga in the Pasifika Challenge at Eden Park on Saturday.
Hooker Sam Matavesi joins props Campese Ma’afu and Kalivati Tawake in the front-row while Tevita Cavubati and Leone Nakarawa are at lock.
Captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Semi Kunatani are on Fiji’s flanks while Peceli Yato will start for the first time at number eight this season.
In the backs, Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola maintain their places at scrum-half and number 10 while Levani Botia and Semi Radradra are Fiji’s midfield combination, with Vereniki Goneva and Josua Tuisova on the wings. Alivereti Veitokani starts the game in Auckland in the full-back jersey.
“I’m very pleased to be able to announce a very strong line-up to play Tonga in our final Test match before we travel to Japan for Rugby World Cup 2019,” said head coach McKee ahead of the intriguing fixture.
“Our preparation since the 1st of July has been all about RWC but when the Fiji team crosses the white line on Saturday this match will be about nothing other than Fiji versus Tonga.”
He added: “We know Tonga will bring a lot of physicality in attack and defence in this match.
“Our players know they will have to stand up in this physical contest to be successful in the outcome of this match.
“Players know that they have been given a great opportunity with this selection, to play well and put themselves in contention for selection in our opening RWC match against Australia.”
Fiji: 15 Alivereti Veitokani, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Levani Botia, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Peceli Yato, 7 Semi Kunatani, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Kalivati Tawake, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Campese Ma’afu
Replacements: 16 Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Tevita Ratuva, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Waisea Nayacalevu
Date: Saturday, August 31
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 16:30 local (05:30 BST, 04:30 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)