Fiji make wholesale changes for Uruguay clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji unveiled mass changes for their Rugby World Cup Pool D game against Uruguay on Monday, with only three players surviving from their opening clash with Australia.
Captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu, loose forward Leone Nakarawa and centre Semi Radrada will be the only remaining starters from the Australia game for Wednesday’s match.
There was no place in the matchday squad for flank Peceli Yato, who left the field with concussion during Fiji’s 21-39 defeat to Australia on Saturday.
Josh Matavesi was named at flyhalf with his brother Samuel on the bench, while Mesulame Dolokoto, Jale Vatubua, and Filipo Nakosi will make their World Cup debuts.
12 changes to the @fijirugby team that faced Australia. A move for Leone Nakarawa to 8 and Fiji’s all time top try scorer, Verenki Goneva comes into the side on the wing #FIJvURU #RWC2019
Kick-off: Wednesday, 25th September at 14.15hrs (GMT+9) pic.twitter.com/YF38s0reJt
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 23, 2019
Fiji: 15 Alivereti Veitokani, 14 Filipo Nakosi, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Henry Seniloli, 8 Leone Nakarawa, 7 Mosese Voka, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain), 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 Tevita Ratuva, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Mesulame Dolokoto, 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: 16 Tuvere Vugakoto, 17 Campese Ma’afu, 18 Lee-Roy Atalifo, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Samuel Matavesi, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Levani Botia.
Date: Wednesday, September 25
Venue: Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Kamaishi City
Kick-off: 14.15 (02.15 Uruguay time; 05.15 GMT; 17.15 Fiji time)
Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Marius Jonker: (South Africa)
