'Semi Trailer' at left wing for Fiji quarterfinal
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has picked Semi Radradra at left wing for the World Cup quarterfinal against England at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.
With Radradra returning to the left wing, Vinaya Habosi switch to the right. He is still chasing his first try of RWC 2023 after scoring two in 2019. Four of his six career tries have come when he has started in the midfield.
Radradra announced this year he would be moving to Lyon after three years with the Bristol Bears.
Ten players in the starting XV also started against England at Twickenham in August, including five in the back-line with only Caleb Muntz and Selesitino Ravutaumada missing from this team.
Fiji’s three try-scorers in that first win over England have been named in the match-day 23 – Vinaya Habosi, Simione Kuruvoli and captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
Three players in the match-day team play their club rugby in England with Eroni Mawi with Saracens, Albert Tuisue at Gloucester and Samuel Matavesi at Northampton.
Tevita Ikanivere earns his first World Cup start after playing Fiji’s first four pool games off the bench. In his 12th test since making his debut in July last year, this will be only his fourth start – all three of his tries have come when he has worn the number two jersey.
If used off the bench, Peni Ravai will join Akapusi Qera, Campese Ma’afu and Leone Nakarawa as the second-most capped Fijian at the Rugby World Cup with 12 appearances. Only Nicky Little has played more games with 14 between 1999 and 2011.
Fiji: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Vinaya Habosi, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Vilimoni Botitu, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Albert Tuisue, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Meli Derenalagi, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Iosefo Masi, 23 Sireli Maqala
Date: Sunday, October 15
Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT; 16.00 UK & Ireland time, 3.00 Monday, October 16 FJT)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
