Nine changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians match day 23- tasked to take on Spain tomorrow.
Vilimoni Botitu headlines the revamped side, starting at inside centre, deepening our midfield stocks which recently seems to be highly dependant on Josua Tuisova.
These string of changes bring an exciting dimension to the Flying Fijians offensive aura.
The new look backline is set to send shivers up any top team’s spine, highlighting the depth and quality within our ranks.
With the retention of upcoming forwards such Hoyt and the potential debut of Kavaia Tagivetaua, Byrne should be spoiled for choice come the World Cup and the upcoming Nations Championship.
Fiji takes on Spain at 4am on Sunday.
THE FIJI Waters Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has made nine changes to his 23-member squad tasked to take on Spain tomorrow morning, with hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua set to make his debut from the bench.
In the forwards Tim Hoyt will make his second start at tighthead prop, forming a strong front row alongside captain Tevita Ikanivere and Haereiti Hetet.
At second row sees the return of Setareke Turagacoke who socred on debut last year against Spain, will partner the hard hitting Isoa Nasilasila at locks.
Bryne has opted for an interesting backrow combination this week sees Pita Gus Sowakula at number 8, Elia Canakaivata at openside flanker and Mesake Voevoce at blindside flanker.
Kicking ace Simione Kuruvoli has retained his half back spot but will combine with Drua teammate Isaiah Armstrong Ravula at flyhalf to drive the Fijian backline.
Talented utility back Vilimoni Botitu marks his return to the white jumper at inside centre and will partner the elusive Sireli Maqala in what promises to be a potent midfield pairing.
Raising star Joji Nasova headlines the back three at the right wing, with Juita Wainiqolo at left wing and Seta Tuicuvu completes the starting XV at fullback.
On the bench Kavaia Tagivetaua is set to make his debut as the hooker replacement.
Last week’s debutant Atunaisa Sokobale retains his spot on the bench and will provide prop cover with Mesake Doge.
Temo Mayanavanua and Motikai Murray conclude the forwards reserves as locks and backrow replacements.
Phillip Baselala will be our halfback finisher this week, with Caleb Muntz and Kaleveti Ravovou completing the reserves, brining some serious firepower off the bench against Spain.
The Flying Fijian will battle Spain tomorrow morning at 4:00am at Estadio de Atletismo Ciudad de Málaga in Spain.
Lineup
1. Haereti Hetet 2. Tevita Ikanivere 3. Tim Hoyt 4. Isoa Nasilasila 5. Setareki Turagacoke 6. Mesake Vocevoce 7. Elia Canakaivata 8. Pita Gus Sowakula 9. Simione Kuruvoli 10. Isaiah Armstron-Ravula 11. Juita Wainiqolo 12. Vilimoni Botitu 13. Sireli Maqala 14. Joji Nasova 15. Seta Tuicuvu
Reserves
16. Kavaia Tagivetaua 17. Atunaisa Sokobale 18. Mesake Doge 19. Temo Mayanavanua 20. Motikai Murray 21. Phillip Baselala 22. Caleb Muntz 23. Kalaveti Ravovou
