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Fiji opt for experience

The changes are mainly due to injuries and suspensions

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The starting XV boasts a total of 392 caps between them – one more than they fielded in their opening match against England – and is their most experienced XV at a World Cup.

Newly called-up wing Timoci Nagusa, the top scorer in the 2015/2016 Top 14 competition in France with four tries in four matches, comes straight in at in place of the injured Waisea Nayacalevu.

Captain Akapusi Qera will be the third player to win 50 caps for Fiji, following Nicky Little (71) and Seremaia Bai (50). Qera and hooker Sunia Koto will both play against Wales for a record fifth time, equalling Seremaia Bai's mark.

Loosehead prop Campese Ma'afu was red-carded (after being shown a second yellow) the last time these teams met. Fiji lost that match 13-17 at the Millennium Stadium in November 2014.

Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Lepani Botia, 11 Aseli Tikoirotuma, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Akapusi Qera (Captain), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu.

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.

Date: Thursday, October 1

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Kick-off: 16.45 (15.45 GMT; Friday October 2, 03.45 FJT)

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Assistant referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Mathieu Raynal (France)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

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