Fiji change five for Samoa
Fiji have made five changes to their team for Sunday’s crunch match against Samoa with half of the forward pack being shuffled and Nicky Little returning at flyhalf.
Seko Kalou replaces Wame Lewaravu in the second row and Fiji will line up with a new back row against Samoa with Netani Edward Talei, Mavu Ravulo and Sisa Koyamaibole.
That trio will replace the suspended Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera and Sakiusa Matadigo. Qera is the only one of the forwards dropping out to sit on the bench.
Little is the only replacement in the back line. The most capped player for any of the Pacific Island nations will win his 70th cap.
He is the first Fiji player to play at four World Cups and he broke the record for most appearances by a Fijian when he came on in last Sunday’s match against South Africa, playing his 12th World Cup match.
Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gaby Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Mala Ravulo, 6 Netani Edward Talei, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Seko Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu (captain), 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu.
Replacements: 16 Talemaitoga Dautu Tuapati, 17 Setefano Somoca, 18 Rupeni Nasiga, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Albert James Vulivuli, 22 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali.
Date: Sunday, September 25
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 15.00 (02.30 GMT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: George Clancy (Ireland), Stuart Terheege (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
AFP
