FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui has made one change to his starting 15 to face Georgia tomorrow – Selestino Ravutaumada in on the wing for Jiuta Wainiqolo.
There is one change on the bench with prop Samu Tawake coming in for Mesake Doge.
“There’s a couple of changes there, obviously Jiuta Wainiqolo had an issue with his ankle and is still recovering from that and Mesake Doge had a HIA (head injury assessment) and Samu Tawake came in for him, so they were the two changes,” Raiwalui said.
“We’ve gone for consistency with our selections. Jiuta’s ankle is still a bit sore, he needs a bit more time and Mesake came out of his HIA protocol yesterday so he’s back available for selection.”
There are nine survivors in the match-day 23 from their 15-15 draw against Georgia in 2021 – Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai, Viliame Mata, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Albert Tuisue and captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
Viliame Mata was one of two try-scorers for Fiji that day.
Semi Radradra scored two tries against Georgia at RWC 2019.
He has made the second-most dominant carries (12) and beat the second-most defenders (8) for Fiji at RWC 2023.
On defence he has forced a breakdown turnover from all four defensive rucks hit, winning two jackals and forcing two penalties.
Levani Botia has not missed a tackle at RWC 2023, completing all 13 attempts.
He has hit the most defensive rucks for Fiji (12), winning one jackal and one penalty at the breakdown.
If used off the bench, Samu Tawake will make his RWC debut in only his fourth Test appearance.
