FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Jake White has named a revamped matchday-23 which sees the return of familiar faces and the addition of new talent for its Nations Championship clash against Ireland tomorrow.
Leading the changes are the handing-over of the reins of command as skipper from Tevita Ikanivere to seasoned number eight Peceli Yato.
Yato will be in charge of ensuring the team is able to execute its aim of earning a first Nations Championship win among the new changes set in place by White.
A notable inclusion in his starting XV is Setareki Bituniyata who will make his Flying Fijians debut at inside centre, the biggest step forward for the former Fiji 7s speedster who plays for Provence in the French Pro D2 competition.
White’s forwards pack for tomorrow’s match is a new line-up of faces; of Peni Ravai as loose-head prop, Tevita Ikanivere at hooker, Luke Tagi as tight-head prop, Joseva Tamani and Isoa Nasilasila as locks, Mesake Vocevoce at blind-side flanker, Lekima Tagitagivalu as open side flanker and Yato at number eight.
The backline sees seasoned players Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola named as half-back and fly-half respectively, a week after they both earned their 50th cap when Fiji faced France.
Ponipate Loganimasi steps in as fullback, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Selestino Ravutaumada named as wingers and Josua Tuisova returns to feature at outside centre.
Zuriel Togiatama, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Elia Canakaivata, Caleb Muntz, Vilikesa Nairau, Kitione Salawa, Terio Tamani and Iosefo Masi are on the bench.
Meanwhile, the Irish have made seven changes to their starting XV to face Fiji.
These are Mack Hansen replacing Hugo Keenan at fullback, Jamie Osborne and Bundee Aki returning to action, Tommy O’Brien named as wing, Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half, Rónan Kelleher starts at hooker, replacing Dan Sheehan and James Ryan stepping in the second row.
Tadhg Beirne will lead the Irish against Fiji after Dan Sheehan suffered a concussion in their clash against Argentina last week and has to undergo a 12-day return-to-protocol program.
The Flying Fijians face Ireland tomorrow at 8.10am at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
