Vodafone Flying Fijians Head Coach Vern Cotter has reshuffled 11 players in his 23-member squad for their World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match number two against Australia A, kicking off at 3pm, at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
Cotter has given Levani Botia who starts at insidec entre the captain’s armband with the likes of Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Setareki Tamanivalu and Sam Matavesi amongst those making their first start in the competition.
“We are creating tough decisions within the group so there have been some changes for this week, a couple through injury and fatigue and some just through giving players’ opportunities,” Cotter said.
In-form hooker Matavesi returns to the starting lineup and will guide the front row which consists of Loosehead Prop Haereiti Hetet and Manasa Saulo on the Tighthead.
Experienced lock will marshal the lineout together with young Isoa Nasilasila who earns his second straight start.
Mesulame Kunavula and Rusiate Nasove remain on the flanks while Albert Tuisue will guide the scrum from the back.
Cotter has maintained the halves combination of Frank Lomani and Teti Tela. Botia will add more firepower in the midfield together with Tamanivalu who earned his first start after showcasing some impressive footy against Tonga in the second spell.
Fans could expect more power and speed on the wings as the “Bus” Josua Tuisova starts at the right-wing while Vinaya Habosi will be on the left. Manasa Mataele replaces Setareki Tuicuvu at fullback.
Cotter has once again opted to have experienced players on the bench. Mesulame Dolokoto, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Vilimoni Botitu and Ben Volavola have all been named on the bench after missing the match against Tonga.
Cotter said they are looking at taking their performance to a level up in Lautoka this weekend.
“One of the key things we looking at this week is making sure we strive to improve but I’m satisfied with the game and it’s the winning mindset which our players have developed,” he said.
He added that Australia A will come with all guns blazing after narrowly losing to Samoa last weekend.
“We saw against Samoa, they were a well organised and well-practiced team. They will try and get the ball to the outside and will try and create space so we need to be very smart in defense and work together. We will do man-on-man marking plus we need to be strong and aggressive in our defense but well organized at the same time.”
Vodafone Flying Fijians Squad V Australia A
Haereiti Hetet
Sam Matavesi
Manasa Saulo
Isoa Nasilasila
Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
Mesulame Kunavula
Rusiate Nasove
Albert Tuisue
Frank Lomani
Teti Tela
Vinaya Habosi
Levani Botia (c)
Setareki Tamanivalu
Josua Tuisova
Manasa Mataele
Reserves
Mesulame Dolokoto
Eroni Mawi
Mesake Doge
Temo Manayanavanua
Kitione Kamikamica
Peni Matawalu
Vilimoni Botitu
Ben Volavola
Photo: Fiji Rugby
