Flying Fijians Head Coach Vern Cotter has named his best available 23-member squad which features seven changes from the squad that lost to Ireland for their final November Tour game against the French Barbarians this Sunday.
Riddled with injuries and a player suspension, Cotter expects nothing less than a tough battle against the French Barbarians made up of French Under-20 and senior players who he anticipates will be very strong and aggressive in the set pieces.
“We have been addressing a few injuries whereby we have got Vilimoni Botitu who has a knee injury, Levani Botia has an ankle injury, Albert Tuisue suspended for four matches and Ratu Leone Rotuisolia had a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and he won’t be available this weekend.”
Loosehead prop Eroni Mawi, Hooker Sam Matavesi and Tighthead prop Manasa Saulo get their third consecutive start in the front row. Veteran Lock Apisalome Ratuniyarawa comes into the first 15 and will pair up with Temo Mayanavanua who was part of the side in the first Autumn Nations match against Scotland. Cotter has moved Isoa Nasilasila from the second row to the Blindside flank and has put Kitione Kamikamica on the Openside. Viliame Mata remains at number eight. In the backs, Simione Kuruvoli gets his first start ahead of Frank Lomani who has not been included in the team for this weekend. Kuruvoli will partner up with Ben Volavola. The midfield combination of Kalaveti Ravouvou and Waisea Nayacalevu continues while Vinaya Habosi and Jiuta Wainiqolo also start on the wings. Setareki Tuicuvu remains at fullback.
On the bench, Tevita Ikanivere, Livai Natave, and Luke Tagi are expected to continue leading the scrum in the second half of the game, John Dyer will be vital in the rucks while Mesulame Dolokoto moves from hooker and will be featuring at Looseman. Peni Matawalu, Adrea Cocagi, and Sireli Maqala are the replacement for the backs.
“We have teams that play a close brand of rugby against us such as double pushing scrums and drive lineouts a lot to provoke errors in our game so we are working hard technically and tactically. Psychologically we have to make shifts and adjustments in how we approach the game around discipline in tackle areas.
“We know what we are in for and we are preparing for a tough game but with dry track and ability to perhaps move the ball and attack, we will be displaying a much better game.”
The Flying Fijians take on French Barbarians at 2am FJT on Sunday.
Flying Fijians squad V French Barbarians
- Eroni Mawi
- Sam Matavesi
- Manasa Saulo
- Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
- Temo Mayanavanua
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Kitione Kamikamica
- Viliame Mata
- Simione Kuruvoli
- Ben Volavola
- Vinaya Habosi
- Kalaveti Ravouvou
- Waisea Nayacalevu
- Jiuta Wainiqolo
- Setareki Tuicuvu
Reserves
- Tevtia Ikanivere
- Livai Natave
- Luke Tagi
- Mesulame Dolokoto
- John Dyer
- Peni Matawalu
- Adrea Cocagi
- Sireli Maqala
