MARCOUSSIS, France – FIJIAN Noa Naikataci has been named on the wing for France when they face Italy in the Six Nations tomorrow.
Naikataci played for Lautoka in the provincial rugby competition before moving to France.
The former Ratu Kadavulevu School student made the France team during a tour to New Zealand two years ago but failed to make the Test team.
France have made wholesale changes for the match following their disappointing defeat to Wales two weeks ago.
The side announced on Thursday by coach Philippe Saint-Andre shows no fewer than eight changes from the starting line-up against the Welsh in Paris, when the French looked out of sorts and succumbed 13-20.
The most significant change in the pack sees experienced prop Nicolas Mas, with 76 caps to his name, come in for Rabah Slimani who drops to the bench.
Mas, 34, said the French, who won their last Six Nations title in 2010, were determined to show what they can do in their final two matches against Italy, and England.
“All of us, even those who started the three matches, are hungry. We want to show that we deserve much more,” said Mas.
Also dropped are No.8 Damien Chouly and lock Romain Taofifenua, both found wanting against the Welsh. Their places are taken by Loann Goujon and Alexandre Flanquart.
Elsewhere, Saint-Andre keeps faith with Camille Lopez at fly-half, but wing Noa Nakaitaci makes his debut in place of the injured Sofiane Guitoun, while at centre, the untried pairing of Maxime Mermoz and 20-year-old Gael Fickou replace Remi Lamerat and Wesley Fofana.
