FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui says players who have been named to play Portugal have earned their places in the team.
Raiwalui has made six changes to his starting XV that defeated Georgia, with two in the forward pack and four in the backs.
Second-row Temo Manyanavanua will make his first Rugby World Cup start after three appearances off the bench at this tournament while Meli Derenalagi will make his debut after making his test debut earlier this year against Samoa.
Vilimoni Botitu will wear the number 10 jersey for only the second time. Sireli Maqala has played just five minutes at RWC 2023, and will earn his first start at this tournament.
On the bench, halfback Peni Matawalu and centre Iosefo Masi will be hoping to make their RWC debut.
“Obviously we’ve had some outstanding training sessions where the boys have put their hands up and we’ve had a few bumps and bruises from the last match. The boys have really earned their spots so we’re looking forward to watch them play against Portugal,” Raiwalui said.
“As a 33, they’ve trained really well right from the beginning. They’ve earned their spot, that chance to get a start this weekend or come off the bench. So they’ve been really good. There have also been outstanding performances as a training.
“There’s also been a couple of bumps and bruises within the team.
“Tough game, the last one to come through so it was a combination of those factors.”
Meanwhile, captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Teti Tela are the only two Flying Fijians to have played every minute of RWC 2023 so far.
Levani Botia is the only survivor from the last time Fiji played Portugal in 2013. The match kicks off at 7am.
- Starting 15: 1-Eroni Mawi, 2-Sam Matavesi, 3-Luke Tagi, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 6-Meli Derenalagi, 7-Levani Botia, 8-Viliame Mata, 9-Frank Lomani, 10-Filimoni Botitu, 11-Vinaya Habosi, 12-Josua Tuisova, 13-Waisea Nayacalevu, 14-Selestino Ravutaumada, 15-Sireli Maqala.
- Reserves: 16-Tevita Ikanivere, 17-Peni Ravai, 18-Mesake Doge, 19-Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20-Albert Tuisue, 21-Peni Matawalu, 22-Teti Tela, 23-Iosefo Masi
