Yato named captain, Bituniyata to debut and revamped forwards pack for Irish showdown
PECELI Yato will captain the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in their second Nations Championship match against Ireland this Sunday.
This is after head coach Jake White revealed a new line-up this morning ahead of their second Nations Championship match.
Yato will take over from Tevita Ikanivere who has led the team in their Nations Championship campaign so far.
Bituniyata to debut
Meanwhile, Provence winger and former Fiji 7s speedster Setareki Bituniyata will make his Flying Fijians debut at inside centre, after being included in White’s regulation nine camps in Lyon, France recently.
Josua “The Bus” Tuisova makes a long-awaited return to the backline and will feature at outside centre, taking over from Vinaya Habosi in last week’s clash against France.
Meanwhile, seasoned players Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola, who both earned 50 caps each last Sunday against the French, return to the starting block to help Fiji get further into Irish territory.
Former Fijian Drua and current Sale Sharks fullback Ponipate Loganimasi will take that same role, stepping in for Salesi Rayasi who featured in it last Sunday.
New forwards pack
Head coach White’s assembly of forwards sees an opportunity for him to advance further into Irish territory with the inclusion 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 Peceli Yato at number eight.
Meanwhile, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Selestino Ravutaumada continue at left wing and right wing respectively following their performances against France last Sunday.
Zuriel Togiatama, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Elia Canakaivata, Caleb Muntz, Vilikesa Nairau, Kitione Salawa, Terio Tamani and Iosefo Masi are on the bench.
Irish fever
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made seven changes to his starting XV to face Fiji, after their victorious 42-12 defeat of Argentina in Dublin last Sunday.
Commendable performances from Sam Prendergast and Rónan Kelleher have earned Farrell’s nod to place him in his starting XV once more for Fiji.
Tadhg Beirne will take over the captaincy role after Dan Sheehan suffered a concussion and has to undergo a 12-day return-to-protocol program.
Consequently, Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy and Ulster back-rower Dave McCann were called up to the squad.
Meanwhile, Ulster forward James McNabney is expected to make his Irish debut against Fiji.
The Flying Fijians face Ireland this Sunday at 8.10am at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
