FLYING Fijians coach John McKee has named Fiji’s most powerful side so far to face world No.2 England at Twickenham early tomorrow morning.
Fiji is expected to face a mammoth task in trying to put the giant English side down at their favourite ground.
Kick-off is at 3am Fiji time.
“The boys are well aware of the team’s performance last week against the Barbarians and the environment in the team has been really positive this week,” McKee said.
“There has been a real focus and intensity in the training. For the team it has been about understanding and clarity around the game plan and executing under pressure. I have seen that happening each day and that gives us the confidence we can impose them in our game on Saturday (tomorrow).”
Joining the team this week were Peceli Yato and Josh Matavesi which creates a competitive atmosphere with key positions.
“This team is the best that can represent Fiji this week and we see some of our most experienced players returning for this Test. This team gives us the balance of being strong on the set play at scrum and line-out as well as exiting our defensive zone as well along with having the mobility to play our attacking game. The team knows of the immense challenge that lies ahead and it’s good to see the positive vibes in the camp.”
He said Fiji rugby was grateful to the Rugby Football Union for the opportunity to play England and consistent matches with tier one nations is beneficial for teams such as Fiji.
“It doesn’t get bigger than playing England at Twickenham in 2016. It is in games like this that Fiji can really make their mark on the world stage. The team will have to be at their absolute best and very disciplined over the 80 minutes for success.
“Teams such as England will capitalise on any mistake and giving away penalties will give them field position and put Fiji under pressure.
“The team has prepared well, the performance is in their hands, and they will go on to the field against England with fire in their bellies and ice on their minds.”
The team recorded a disappointing 40-7 loss to the Barbarians last Saturday.
McKee made a back line reshuffle to the team that played the Babaas with former 7s playmaker Metuisela Talebula starting at fullback moving Benito Masilevu to the right wing in place of Waisea Nayacalevu. Matavesi comes in at flyhalf.
In the fowards, hooker and Tailevu man Jale Sassen misses out as veteran and former skipper Sunia Koto starts. Tuapate Talemaitoga will come in the reserves.
Olympian and gold medallist Leone Nakarawa will pair Dominiko Waqaniburotu while Yato forces his way on the side of the scrum with skipper Akapusi Qera retaining the No.8 position.
Nikola Matawalu and Kini Murimurivalu both made the team.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported England coach Eddie Jones said yesterday he would delay naming his team for the Test today because of injury concerns.
Number eight Billy Vunipola, Nadi boy Nathan Hughes and centre Elliot Daly are still carrying knocks from last weekend’s 37-21 victory over South Africa, Jones told reporters.
Fijian and Bath winger Semesa Rokoduguni is likely to start against his fellow countrymen.
England will be aiming to make it seven out of seven against the Pacific islanders, who they last met in last year’s Rugby World Cup, winning 35-11.
Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Benito Masilevu, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Albert Vulivuli, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Seru Vularika, 8 Akapusi Qera, 7 Peceli Yato, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Api Ratuniyawara, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu
Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Leeroy Atalifo, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Naulia Dawai, 21 Eremasi Radrodro, 22 Nikola Matawalu, 23 Kini Murimurivalu
Referee: Marius Mitrea (Italy), Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Lloyd Linton (Scotland)
