Preview: Fiji vs Tonga
Fiji have changed their captain for the second match with Tonga in the two-Test Punjas Series after winning the first one 27-12 Last Saturday at the same venue, Churchill Park.
Last week’s captain veteran Deacon Manu has an ear infection and has been left to rest.
Flying Fijians coach, Sam Domoni, has named Akapusi Qera as his captain in a team that has five changes.
Manu’s place at tighthead is taken by young Waisea Daveta. In other changes to the starting XV Netani Talei comes onto the flank for Dominiko Waqaniburotu and on the wing Michael Tagicakibau replaces Adriu Delai who started for the first time last week, and Ravai Fatiaki comes into the centre for goalkicking veteran Seremaia Bai.
The only two survivors on the bench are Masi Matadigo and Iliesa Keresoni.
Meanwhile the Tongans have named what looks to be their strongest available line-up with the return of team captain Finau Maka who takes over the reins from Aleki Lutui who is the only tight forward still in the starting line-up and France-based Alipate Fatafehi to the starting line-up, alongside inspirational flyhalf Kurt Morath. The only players in the starting XV to survive from last Saturday’s defeat are Viliame Iongi, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Viliami Ma’afu, Sione Kalamafoni and Aleki Lutui.
Teams
Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Ravai Fatiaki, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Vitori Buatava, 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Akapusi Qera (captain), 6 Netani Talei, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Rupeni Nasiga, 3 Waisea Daveta, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu,
Replacements: 16 Talemaitoga Tuapati, 17 Setefano Somoca, 18 Leone Nakarawa, 19 Masi Matadigo, 20 Neeamia Kenatale, 21 Nicky Little, 22 Iliesa Keresoni
Tonga: 15 Viliame Iongi, 14 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 13 Alipate Fatafehi, 12 Siale Piutau, 11 Vungakoto Lilo, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma’afu, 7 Finau Maka (captain), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Joseph Tuineau, 4 Lisiate Fa’aoso, 3 Tonga Lea’aetoa, 2 Aleki Lutui (captain), 1 Soane Tongauiha
Replacements: 16 Ilaisia Ma’asi, 17 Halani Aulika, 18 Sione Timani, 19 Samiu Vahafolau, 20 Andrew Mailei, 21 Thomas Palu, 22 Sukanaivalu Hufanga
Date: Friday, 19 August 2011
Kick-off: 16.30 (local time)
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
Expected weather conditions: Clear with a high of 27°C, dropping to 18°C.
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
