Former England international Nathan Hughes is set to make his Fiji Water Flying Fijians debut against France in Lyon this Saturday after being named at No. 8 in a new-look side selected by head coach Jake White.
Hughes will anchor a powerful loose forward trio alongside Pita Gus Sowakula at blindside flanker and Kitione Salawa at openside, as the Flying Fijians prepare for a formidable challenge against the hosts.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere will lead from hooker, packing down between props Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi, while locks Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila will be tasked with providing the muscle up front and challenging France at lineout time.
White has also made significant changes to his backline, with Simione Kuruvoli at halfback and Isikeli Rabitu earning his first international start at flyhalf.
Vinaya Habosi and Iosefo Masi will form a new midfield partnership at inside and outside centre respectively, while the dangerous back three of Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada and Salesi Rayasi complete the starting XV.
On the bench, Zuriel Togiatama, Peni Ravai and Inoke Ravuiwasa provide front-row cover, with Peceli Yato and Elia Canakaivata offering options across the second and back rows.
The experience of Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola will be vital in the closing stages, with both backs set to earn their 50th Test caps. Bayonne-based Sireli Maqala completes the replacements.
The selection signals White’s willingness to test combinations and build depth as the Flying Fijians prepare to face one of the world’s leading rugby nations on home soil.
With Hughes making his debut, Rabitu stepping into the No. 10 jersey and a fresh midfield pairing, the Flying Fijians will need to combine their attacking flair with discipline and physicality against the French.
White believes the 23 selected are the best available to challenge France and deliver an upset in Lyon.
Fiji Water Flying Fijians Starting XV
- Eroni Mawi
- Tevita Ikanivere (captain)
- Luke Tagi
- Mesake Vocevoce
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Pita Gus Sowakula
- Kitione Salawa
- Nathan Hughes
- Simione Kuruvoli
- Isikeli Rabitu
- Jiuta Wainiqolo
- Vinaya Habosi
- Iosefo Masi
- Selestino Ravutaumada
- Salesi Rayasi
Replacements
- Zuriel Togiatama
- Peni Ravai
- Inoke Ravuiwasa
- Peceli Yato
- Elia Canakaivata
- Frank Lomani
- Ben Volavola
- Sireli Maqala
