Lucky number 8 a Shaw thing in game two
Vodafone Fijian Under-20s number-eight Aminiasi Shaw has been handed the biggest opportunity of his rugby journey to date, named to debut against Australia in the Oceania Under-20 Championship on the Gold Coast.
Head Coach Kele Leawere has named Shaw in his first 15, dropping Eparama Sailo for their second match.
Leawere has also reshuffled his front row following the courageous loss to New Zealand on Friday night, moving Emosi Tuqiri to loosehead prop and shifting Livai Natave to tighthead prop.
Vilive Miramira shifts to right flankers position while Taniela Ramasibana replaces Alivereti Loaloa on the left flank and Osea Natoga gets his starting call on the wing.
Fiji will be without Epeli Momo who has received a six week suspension following his red card and citation for a dangerous tackle in the first match.
Coach Kele Leawere said “The team regrouped well after their first loss against New Zealand and are looking forward to putting up a power pack show against the Junior Wallabies.”
“We went through the video of the first match, looked at the weaknesses and have worked hard to ensure those mistakes are not repeated again in the next match.
Leawere added “We are aware of the threat as Australia throw a tough challenge, but I trust the players and I know they can deliver.”
Vodafone Fijian Under-20s meets Australia at 7pm tonight {Fiji Time} with all matches live streamed on www.rugby.com.au.
Vodafone Fijian Under-20s squad for Australia
- Emosi Tuqiri
- Tevita Ikanivere
- Livai Natave
- Etonia Waqa
- Christopher Minmbi
- Taniela Ramasibana
- Vilive Miramira
- Aminiasi Shaw
- Simione Kuruvoli
- Caleb Muntz
- Osea Natoga
- Veresa Ramototabua
- Ilaisa Droasese
- Kaminieli Rasaku
- Osea Waqa
Reserves
16. Lino Mairara
17. Elijah Kuilamu
18. Meli Sikoijeriko
19. Joseva Nasaroa
20. Anasa Qaranivalu
21. Yabaki Seeto
22. Eparama Sailo
23. Josh Vuta
24. Mesake Kurisaru
25. Taniela Soqonawasaliwa
26. Anare Waqasaqa