Fijian head coach John McKee has made 11 changes to his side that were defeated 26-17 by the Maori All Blacks last weekend for Saturday’s clash with Japan.
The fixture, which opens up both sides Pacific Nations Cup campaigns has seen returns to the starting XV for key names such as Levani Botia, Viliame Mata and Ben Volavola.
Only blindside flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu, centre Waisea Nayacalevu and wingers Filipo Nakosi and Patrick Osborne retain their places in the team.
McKee is delighted to name such an experienced side as the nation prepare for the Rugby World Cup in September.
“We’re getting further down our journey towards Rugby World Cup and have a stronger understanding of our game plans and our systems. I’m thrilled to have been able to name such a strong squad for the match against Japan,” he said.
As well as the stars there is a place in the team for local player Eroni Mawi, who starts at loosehead prop and McKee stands by his selection.
“Mawi deserves selection. He’s an up and coming player that has been drafted for a number of test matches as a reserve and this is his opportunity to show what he has in the starting team this Saturday,” he added.
McKee also thinks that the key to beating the World Cup’s host nation this weekend will be his side’s ability to dominate the game physically.
“We did that against the Maori All Blacks in Suva. It is important that we repeat that type of dominance against Japan. They will play a very up tempo and a very fast game so we need to work very hard in our defensive system and effort to deny Japan opportunities to score,” finished up.
The game could be of more significance than just simply opening up their Pacific Nations campaign as a win by 15 points or more will see the high-flying Fijians overtake eighth placed France in the world rankings.
Following this week’s game Fiji will play Canada and Samoa in the tournament, before facing Tonga in Auckland in their last World Cup warm-up game.
They open up their World Cup campaign on September 21st against the Wallabies and will be looking to cause an upset at this year’s edition of the tournament.
Check Out the Full 23-Man Squad for this
Weekend’s Clash Below.
Starting XV:
1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Manasa
Saulo, 4. Albert Tuisue, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7. Semi
Kunatani, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Patrick
Osbourne, 12. Levani Botia, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14. Filipo Nakosi, 15.
Alivereti Veitokani.
Reserves:
16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Peni Ravai, 18.
Lee-Roy Atalifo, 19. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20. Peceli Yato, 21. Henry
Seniloli, 22. Jale Vatubua, 23. Josh Matavesi.
