Flying Fijians coach John McKee named a powerful side to take on France in their first Test match for the November tour, when the two sides meet in Marseille on Saturday.
McKee said they selected the strongest team possible and that the players understand the challenge ahead.
“The forward pack from the June Tests is boosted by the addition of Masi Matadigo, who has been in very good form for Lyon in France Top 14.”
“Lepani Botia comes in at inside centre he is also playing Top 14 and can mix the direct game with the passing game. Nemani Nadolo has only joined the team this week due to some injury issues delaying his arrival. Expect him to have big impact when he enters the game from the reserves.
“For the players they understand the challenge ahead. The important thing for us is to have very good knowledge of our game plan and be able to stick to it under immense pressure.
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“This is the mental challenge to keep clear heads, focus on our game and process in attack and defence and give 100% effort for every minute on the game.”
The line-up sees Akapusi Qera leading the pack from the open side flank position alongside Dominiko Waqaniburotu at blindside.
In the front row, Campese Ma’afu teams up with Manasa Saulo at props and Sunia Koto at hooker.
Leone Nakarawa is bracketed with Api Ratuniyarawa at lock and Matadigo at No. 8.
Nikola Matawalu starts off at scrumhalf and partners with Jonetani Ralulu at flyhalf.
Alipate Ratini makes his debut alongside Watisoni Votu on the wings while Botia will play at inside centre with Asaeli Tikoirotuma outside him. Metuisela Talebula completes the run on team at full back.
“Ratini has been in great form in The Top 14 for Grenoble this season. We will be working hard to create opportunities for him to show his ability as a finisher and try scorer” McKee said.
He added that the Flying Fijians must win the physical battle in order to win.
“We must win the physical battle to enable us to play our game and play to our strengths. In test match rugby, especially against Tier 1 nations there is no easy way to be successful so all players (23) must be prepared to do all the hard work in attack and defence to ensure that the Flying Fijians put the pressure back on France. France has 3 new players and a number of new combinations across the team so if we can put them under pressure it could be difficult for them to find their rhythm and to be able to play the way they want.”
Qera on the other hand has encouraged the boys to do their best this Saturday.
“The morale in the team has been great so far with the boys keeping focused on the duty at hand. We had a day off so that boosted the team spirits to relax and bond and I am happy with that. The communication and binding within the team has been superb.”
“I have encouraged the boys to do the best in their area of duties and not be anxious of anything but keep in mind that they need to be focused and prepared in all areas before the battle.”
“As for the fans back at home, we thank them for their continuous support and prayers.”
Meanwhile Josh Matavesi has been ruled out due to his shoulder injury.
“Matevesi injured his shoulder playing for the Ospreys on Friday. We decided that it is best he stay at the club for treatment and rehab. He will join the team in Cardiff on Sunday”.
Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Watisoni Votu, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Lepani Botia, 11 Alipate Ratini, 10 Jonetani Ralulu, 9 Nicola Matawalu, 8 Masi Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera (Captain), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu
Replacements: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18 Isei Colatei, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henri Seniloli, 22 Nemani Nadolo, 23 Timoci Nagusa.
Date: Saturday 8 November
Venue: Stade Veledrome, Marseille
Kick-Off: 18:45 SA Time (17:45 FRA Time, 16:45 GMT, Sunday 05:45 Fiji Time)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
TMO: Stefano Pennè (Italy)