FIJI Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee has named a powerful side to tackle Ireland in their second Europe Tour game this weekend.
Hard running inside centre Levani Botia and will form the inside backs combination with Jale Vatubua while man-mountain Nemani Nadolo, Timoci Nagusa and Kini Murimurivalu to features on the wings and fullback respectively. Lanky Dominiko Waqaniburotu has forced his way into the starting line-up after missing out on the Italy game while Henry Seniloli replaces Frank Lomani at halfback.
McKee has retained the front row of Campese Ma’afu, Tuapati Talemaitoga and Manasa Saulo with Leone Nakarawa and Api Ratuniyarawa at locks. Skipper Akapusi Qera retains his favourite number 7 jumper with Nemani Nagusa at the back of the scrum.
Notably Toulon flyer Josua Tuisova was not selected in the final 22 players to take on the Irish. Former Fiji 7s rep Semi Kunatani is likely to miss out after being bracketed with Peceli Yato in the reserve list.
McKee said Kunatani was outstanding against Italy but needed more work to cement his spot in the team.
“Semi showed some good skills on his debut but also has things to work on to establish himself as a Test match number 6,” he said.
He said the team needed to rectify the mistakes committed against Italy.
“Discipline to reduce penalties conceded and effectiveness in post tackle area when we carry ball into contact.
“We know we need to step our performance up from last week and to work much harder to retain possession and play multi-phase rugby to put Ireland under pressure.”
Meanwhile, Ireland has made 13 changes to the side that thumped South Africa last weekend. The game kicks off on Sunday, 6.30am.
Lineup: 15 Kini Murimurivalu,14 Timoci Nagusa,13 Jale Vatubua,12 Levani Botia,11 Nemani Nadolo,10 Ben Volavola,9 Henry Senioli,8 Nemani Nagusa,7 Akapusi Qera,6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu,5 Leone Nakarawa,4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa,3 Manasa Saulo,2 Talemaitoga Tuapati,1 Campese Ma’afu. Replacements:16 Sunia Koto,17 Peni Ravai,18 Kalivati Tawake,19 Sikeli Nabou,20 Peceli Yato/Semi Kunatani,21 Niko Matawalu,22 Asaeli Tikoirotuma,23 Vereniki Goneva
