Flying Fijians target Uruguay with explosive line up.
The Flying Fijians will be looking to continue to build the powerful momentum of their Rugby World Cup opener when they take on Uruguay in Kamaishi this Wednesday.
Head Coach John McKee, showing great respect to their South American opponents, has named a youthful and explosive team for the crucial round 2 match.
“We are very wary of the Uruguay team” he said.
“This is their first RWC 2019 match and we expect a much improved team from the one we faced in November.”
McKee has utilised the impressive depth of the Flying Fijian squad bringing in seven fresh faces to the match day 23.
Called for their first appearance in Japan, Henry Seniloli and Josh Matavesi will combine in the halves, with Jale Vatubua (12) and Filipo Nakosi (14) injecting pace and energy into the backline.
Semi Radradra will move back into the centres (13) forming a lethal attack with Fiji’s leading try scorer Vereniki Goneva (11).
Young Suva hooker Mesulame Dolokoto will make his Rugby World Cup debut alongside Eroni Mawi and the experienced Manasa Saulo in the front row.
Tevita Ratuva and Apisalome Ratuniyarawa at lock will formal towering arsenal with off load king Leone Nakarawa at number eight whilst Skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu and work horse Mosese Voka man the flanks.
Alivereti Veitokani starts at full-back where the livewire will be keen to create space and opportunity to ignite the Fijian attack.
For the reserves Sam Matavesi shifts to the backrow due to the unavailbility of Mata and Yato, with Nikola Matawalu, Ben Volavola and Levani Botia providing plenty of impact options off the bench.
With just a four day turnaround between matches, the Flying Fijians travelled to their camp near Kamaishi on Sunday where match preparations are well underway.
“We played at Kamaishi Memorial Stadium against Japan during the Pacific Nations Cup, so we are very familiar with the Stadium and training facilities which has helped us settle in very quickly” he added.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians take on Uruguay at 5.15pm (FJT) at Kamaishi Memorial Recovery Stadium on Wednesday 25th September.
Flying Fijians Rugby World Cup Pool D Round 2 match-day 23 versus Uruguay
- Eroni Mawi
- Mesulame Dolokoto
- Manasa Saulo
- Tevita Ratuva
- Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
- Dominiko Waqaniburotu (C)
- Mosese Voka
- Leone Nakarawa
- Henry Seniloli
- Josh Matavesi
- Vereniki Goneva
- Jale Vatubua
- Semi Radradra
- Filipo Nakosi
- Alivereti Veitokani
Reserves
16. Veremalua Vugakoto
17. Campese Ma’afu
18. Lee-Roy Atalifo
19. Tevita Cavubati
20. Samuel Matavesi
21. Nikola Matawalu
22. Ben Volavola
23. Levani Botia