Seruvakula names lineup with scintillating mix of experience and youth

Fijian Latui Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named 6 Flying Fijians in his lineup to take on the China Lions for the first round of Global Rapid Rugby set to kick off tomorrow at ANZ Stadium.

Seruvakula has infused his lineup with a scintillating mix of experience and youth.

In the front row, Naitasiri and Flying Fijian’s tight head prop Joeli Veitayaki will wear number 1, Nadroga and Fijian Drua’s Ratunaisa Navuma at hooker Suva’s powerhouse Benji Makutu will pack down at loose head prop.

Namosi’s Sorovakatini Tuifagalele plays at 4 and Nadroga’s Sailasa Kerekere round out the tight five.

Suva robust flankers Filimoni Seru and Elia Canakaivata fill the back row with Nadroga’s stalwart and Flying Fijians loose man Eremasi Radrodro at 8.

Suva’s swift first-five Jone Manu will be playing at scrumhalf and overseas-based Flying Fijians Teti Tela will be making his debut on home ground at flyhalf.

Coming in at 11 is hard-hitting Suva inside center John Stewart while Lepani Raiyala will fly down the opposite wing at 14 and Naitasiri’s Meli Nakarawa will be sweeping in the fullback position.

Fijian Latui Captain and Flying Fijians centre Serupepeli Vularika fills in the 12 jersey with Flying Fijians and experienced utility back Asaeli Tikoirotuma alongside him.

Fijian Latui take on the China Lions at the ANZ Stadium in a triple header with Samoa A v Tonga A at 1pm, Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors taking on Junior Japan in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge decider at 3.30 pm and the Latui vs Lions match at 6.15 pm.

The China Lions are a team based out of the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand, jam packed with Mitre 10 Cup, international and Super Rugby experience.

Tickets are $10 for the grandstand, $5 for the ground and $2 for children under 12.

Fijian Latui Round One Team to play China Lions

1.Joeli Veitayaki
2.Ratunaisa Navuma
3.Penijamini Makutu
4.Sorovakatini Tuifagalele
5.Sailasa Kerekere
6.Filimoni Seru
7.Elia Canakaivata
8.Eremasi Radrodro
9.Jone Manu
10.Teti Tela
11.John Stewart
12.Serupepeli Vularika©
13.Asaeli Tikoirotuma
14.Lepani Raiyala
15.Meli Nakarawa

16.Manoa Mocelutu
17.Timoci Sauvoli
18.Mateo Qolisese 1
9.Peni Naruma
20.Kelepi Naimasi
21.Leone Nawai
22.Apisalome Vota
23.Enele Malele

China Lions Lineup
Solomona Sakalia
Greg Pleseants Tate
Nico Aandewial
Hoani Matenga
Sten van den Hoven
Ray Tatafu
Joe Johnston
Hugh Blake
Te aihe Toma
Dwayne Sweeney
Fa’asiu Fukatai
James Little
Mathew Skipwith Garland
Tyler Campbell
Priyor Collier