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Fiji names 'soldier' for opener

By Online Editors
Thursday 8 Sep 2011

Fiji on Thursday named former soldier Leone Nakarawa in their World Cup team to face Namibia, after he was at the centre of a visa row targeting the country’s military government.

The 23-year-old lock was forced to resign his army commission to even play at the World Cup after New Zealand refused to relax a ban on visits from anyone connected with Suva’s military government.

The starting team features no fewer than 10 changes from the side which was beaten by New Zealand in Dunedin in July.

Prop forward Deacon Manu remains as captain.

The 2007 quarterfinalists, currently ranked 15th, beat Namibia 67-18 on their only previous meeting two years ago.

Nakarawa was the only player affected by New Zealand’s ban, although Fiji Rugby Union chairman Lieutenant Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga was forced to skip the trip.

Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gaby Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Netani Edward Talei, 7 Mala Ravulo, 6 Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu (captain), 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Campese Ma’afu.
Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto, 17 Waisea Nailago, 18 Seko Kalou, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Albert James Vulivuli, 22 Iliesa Lomani Rakuka Keresoni.

Date: Saturday, September 10
Venue: Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Kick-off: 15.30 (03.30 GMT)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Jérôme Garces (France)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

AFP

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