Fiji to test new combos against Scotland
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji have named a matchday 23 for Saturday’s clash with Scotland exclusively drawn from Super Rugby outfit Fijian Drua.
With the Murrayfield match falling outside of the international Test window, European-based players such as former captain Waisea Nayacalevu (Sale Sharks) and fellow midfielders, Josua Tuisova (Racing 92) and Semi Radradra (Lyon) are not available to head coach Mick Byrne.
Only six players from the matchday 23 that lost to England in last year’s World Cup quarterfinal are included in Fiji’s first squad of the Nations Series, as they look to beat Scotland at Murrayfield for the first time.
Scrumhalf Frank Lomani is the only starting back to be selected from that game, with Simi Kuruvoli also returning to provide cover from the bench.
Upfront, the survivors from the England defeat include captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere, lock Isoa Nasilasila and flanks Meli Derenalagi and Vilive Miramira.
Now that Paris Olympics silver medallist Ponipate Loganimasi has switched from sevens and inside centre Inia Tabuavou and wing Vuate Karawalevu have moved from Racing 92 and the Waratahs, all 23 players in the squad to face Scotland will be playing for Fijian Drua next season.
Byrne has named two uncapped players on the bench in Kemueli Valetini, the brother of Wallabies star Rob, and fellow back Waqa Nalaga.
Seventeen of the 23-man squad helped Fiji to win the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup back in September.
Fiji: 15 Isaiah Ravula; 14 Vuate Karawalevu, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani; 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 5 Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Jone Koroiduadua, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simi Kuruvoli, 22 Kemueli Valetini, 23 Waqa Nalaga.
Date: Saturday, November 2
Venue: Murrayfield, Scotland
Kick-off: 17.40 (17.40 GMT; 05.40 Sunday November 3 FJT)
Referee: Craig Evans
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley, Luc Ramos
TMO: Brett Cronan
Source: Rugbypass