Fijian fan-favourite Semi Radradra has been named in John McKee’s starting XV to play Canada in the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday as part of 12 changes to the squad.
Head coach McKee has decided to freshen things up following last weekend’s 34-21 loss to Japan and has brought in a number of star names.
Radradra will be joined in the centre by Jale Vatubua for the first time since last year’s historic win over France.
There is also movement in the half-backs with Henry Seniloli linking-up with Newcastle Falcon’s Josh Matavesi, who earns his first start of the year.
Elsewhere in the back-line there is a completely different back-three with Toulon’s Josua Tuisova and Perpignan’s Eroni Sau occupying the wings with Kini Murimurivalu taking the No 15 jersey.
In the pack there is an entirely new front-three with Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, Campese Ma’afu and Peni Ravai all coming in.
While Racing 92 star Leone Nakarawa captains the side from the engine room along with Tevita Ratuva as Dominiko Waqaniburotu gets a rest to allow Peceli Yato take his position at blindside flanker.
McKee is expecting a tough challenge from the Canadians, who also fell to defeat in their opening Pacific Nations Cup game last weekend.
“They will come out strong and will play a physical game against us. They will make us work very hard for everything in the game. They will scrap for every contest and possession,” he said.
Fiji will be hoping to get there campaign back on track following last weekend’s loss as they look to retain their Pacific Nations Cup title.
Check Out the Starting XV Below.
- Campese Ma’afu
- Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto
- Peni Ravai
- Leone Nakarawa (c)
- Tevita Ratuva
- Peceli Yato
- Semi Kunatani
- Viliame Mata
- Henry Seniloli
- Josh Matavesi
- Eroni Sau
- Jale Vatubua
- Semi Radradra
- Josua Tuisova
- Kini Murimurivalu
