Fiji sticks to tried and tested for France battle
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji head coach Mick Byrne announced on Thursday an unchanged starting line-up for this weekend’s Nations Series game against France in Bordeaux.
Australian Byrne has kept faith with the team despite their 18-38 loss to England last weekend, ahead of this Saturday’s meeting with Les Bleus.
His 23-player squad includes seven players based in France, with Racing 92 powerhouse Josua Tuisova starting in the centres and his club teammate Selestino Ravutaumada on the right wing.
There is one alteration among the substitutes with former England Under-20s prop Tim Hoyt set for his Test debut.
The Worcester Warriors 22-year-old front-rower qualifies for the Pacific Islanders through a Fijian parent and replaces Samu Tawake on the bench.
Fiji: 15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Elia Canakaivata, 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Tim Hoyt, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Sam Wye, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Sireli Maqala
Date: Saturday, November 15
Venue: Stade Atlantique, Bordeaux
Kick-off: 21.10 (20.10 GMT; 08.10 FJT, Sunday, November 16)
Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)
Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)