Fiji make six changes for Wales World Cup clash
Thursday 1 October 2015 12:05, UK
Fiji have made six changes for Thursday's World Cup Pool A clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Injuries and suspensions have given coach John McKee a selection headache this week, and he will be without several key players in Cardiff. But he is still able to name the most experienced Fiji team ever to play in a World Cup, with a combined 392 caps.
Newly called-up Montpellier wing Timoci Nagusa comes straight into the starting XV on the right wing in place of the injured Stade Francais flyer Waisea Nayacalevu, who is out of the tournament with a knee problem.
Fiji's hulking 20st left winger Nemani Nadolo is suspended for the Cardiff game after being found guilty of a tip-tackle in their 28-13 defeat to Australia, so Aseli Tikoirotuma replaces him.
La Rochelle's Lepani Botia starts at inside centre in place of Gabiriele Lovobalavu and Nemia Kenatale comes in at scrum-half for Nikola Matawalu who has a back problem.
Up front Sunia Koto is named as hooker in place of Tuapati Talemaitoga and Dominiko Waqaniburotu will start on the blindside flank in place of Peceli Yato.
Captain Akapusi Qera will be the third player to win 50 caps for Fiji, following Nicky Little (71) and Seremaia Bai (50).
Loosehead prop Campese Ma'afu was red-carded (after being shown a second yellow) the last time these teams met. Fiji lost that match 17-13 at the Millennium Stadium last November.
Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Lepani Botia, 11 Aseli Tikoirotuma, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 1 Campese Maafu, 2 Sunia Koto, 3 Manasa Saulo, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7 Akapusi Qera (c), 8 Netani Talei.
Replacements: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravia, 18 Leeroy Atalifo, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Kini Murimurivalu.
