Male names team versus Japan 03 June, 2012

Flying Fijians coach Inoke Male names his team versus Japan. File photo

Flying Fijians head coach Inoke Male today announced his team to play against Japan in their opening 2012 Pacific Nations Cup match on Tuesday. 

Netani Talei leads the pack at No. 8 while the front row sees the return of Graham Dewes alongside 2011 Rugby World Cup reps Viliame Veikoso and Setefano Somoca. 

Digicel Fiji 7s reps Watisoni Votu and Waisea Nayacalevu pair up on the wings while Isake Katonibau, will play at inside centre with Vereniki Goneva outside him. 

Apisai Naikatini will make his debut at locks with an experienced Leone Nakarawa. 

Iliesa Ratuva also makes his debut at flanker with another 2011 RWC rep, Malakai Ravulo, at number seven. 

Nikola Matawalu makes a return to top flight rugby at scrumhalf and he partners flyhalf Setareki Koroilagilagi who will be earning his first cap. 

Seremaia Naureure, Benedito Koroi, Kelepi Ketedromo, French based Alusio Buto and brothers Malakai Volau and Kelemedi Bola have been named as impact players. 

The Flying Fijians go up against the Cherry Blossoms on Tuesday night at 8.10pm Fiji Time. 

The full team:
 
1. Graham Dewes, 2. Viliame Veikoso, 3. Setefano Somoca, 4. Apisai Naikatini, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Iliesa Ratuva, 7. Ratu Malakai Ravula, 8. Netani Talei (C), 9. Nikola Matawalu, 10. Setareki Koroilagilagi, 11. Watisoni Votu, 12. Isake Katoniabu, 13. Vereniki Goneva, 14. Waisea Nayacalevu, 15. Isimeli Koniferedi, 

Reserves:
16. Seremaia Naureure, 17. Waisea Daveta, 18. Malakai Volau, 19. Kelepi Ketedromo, 20. Kelemedi Bola, 21. Benedito Koroi, 22. Alusio Buto.