Nadolo named in Fiji team to face England in World Cup opener
Wednesday 16 September 2015 15:21, UK
Super Rugby's star winger Nemani Nadolo will face England in the World Cup opener after being named in Fiji's starting team.
The Crusaders flyer will line up against Anthony Watson in a Fiji side that will test England thoroughly at Twickenham on Friday.
The Fijians will be captained by flanker Akapusi Qera, who played in the Premiership for Gloucester alongside Ben Morgan and Jonny May, both of whom start for England in the team name by Stuart Lancaster on Monday.
Bath-bound scrum-half Nikola Matawalu starts in the No 9 jersey, and partners Ben Volavola in the half-backs.
Leone Nakawara, who was highly influential in Glasgow's PRO12 title-winning season, packs down in the second row with Apisalome Ratuniyarawa.
The front row sees Campese Ma'afu and Manasa Saulo scrum on either side of hooker Sunia Koto, while Qera is joined in the back row by Dominiko Waqaniburotu and No 8 Sakiusa Masi Matadigo.
Waisea Nayacalevu will be up against May on the right wing, with Metuisela Talebula taking up the full-back duties.
The midfield sees Gabiriele Lovobalavu and Vereniki Goneva lining up together, with the former likely to be involved in a very physical battle with Brad Barritt in the showpiece opener.
"I am very pleased to be able to announce a very strong line-up for the opening match of RWC2015," Fiji coach John McKee said at the team announcement.
"We have come through a very good preparation phase and are ready to move into the competition.
"All our players are fit and available for selection," McKee added.
"England is a very strong team and will be a difficult opponent at Twickenham. We are looking forward to the challenge of this opening game.
"Our players have trained and played well throughout our preparation and must now step up to the high level and intensity we expect on Friday evening and throughout our Pool Matches."
Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Waisea Nayacalevu, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 1 Campese Ma'afu, 2 Sunia Koto, 3 Manasa Saulo, 4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7 Akapusi Qera (c), 8 Sakiusa Masi Matadigo.
Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Nemia Kenatale, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Aseli Tikoirotuma.
