mens
nations-championship
Fiji they announced the changes ahead of Saturday Nations Championship clash with Ireland, making nine changes to the side that were beaten 54-17 France in Lyon.
New coach Jake White has retained just six starters since that loss, with the most notable call-up being handed to captain Peceli Yato. Ex Clermont Zvezda returned to the international circuit only this year after a three-year absence and will lead the team from 8th at the Aviva Stadium.
There is also a fairytale of sorts in the midfield after 31-year-old Setareka Bituniyata was handed a Test debut.
The former French Pro D2 The player of the season comes straight into the starting XV and will partner resurgent superstar Josua Tuisova in the centres. It will be the 113kg center’s first test outing since the face-off Scotland in July.
Changes continue in advance. Penny Ravai replaces Saracens’ Eroni Mawi at loose-back while Joseva Tamani moves into the second row. Mesake Vocevoce, who started in the engine room against France, moves to blindside flank as the Whites change the pack.
Yatou joins Lekim Tagitagiwal in the back row, while the former England international Nathan Hughes misses out after picking up injury on his debut in Fiji last weekend.
In the backs, veteran playmaker Ben Volavola has been recalled at fly-half and links up with Franco Lomani in a new-look half-back combination. Ponipate Loganimasi replaces the injured Salesi Rayasi at full-back, while dangerous wings Celestino Ravutaumada and Jiuta Wainiqolo are retained.
Fiji Rugby: 15 Ponipat Loganimasi; 14 Celestino Ravutaumada, 13 Setareki Bituniyat, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo; 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani; 1 Peni Ravai, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 3 Luke Tagi, 4 Joseva Tamani, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 6 Mesake Vocevoce, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8 Peceli Yato (captain).
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Vilikesa Nairau, 18 Inoke Ravuiwasa, 19 Gideon Salawa, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Terio Tamani, 22 Caleb Muntz, 23 Joseph Masi.
