Fiji cut one player to finalise 31-man World Cup squad

Fiji head coach John McKee has finalised his 31-man squad for this month's World Cup in Japan by omitting one player from his original 32-man side.

McKee had named a slightly enlarged squad for the tournament last month, which included one extra player than the 31 allowed for the tournament.

With the squad announcement deadline of September 8 looming, McKee has reduced his side by dropping 11-test Jersey Reds prop Lee-Roy Atalifo.

Atalifo had played in three of Fiji's six matches this year, making appearances against the Maori All Blacks, Japan and Canada.

However, with six props named in the 32-man side, one needed to go, and, as one of the squad's least experienced front rowers, Atalifo has been forced to bite the bullet.

He joins an 11-man reserve list of players who will be on standby should injury strike the Flying Fijians at any point throughout the World Cup.

“The final decision on the travelling 5 props was difficult with very little separating the players,” McKee said.

“I am pleased though to be able to now finalise the final 31 players to represent Fiji at Rugby World Cup 2019.

“This is a very strong group, one that can make Fiji proud at the Rugby World Cup,” McKee added.

“I am confident that the five props selected give us a balance of mobility in general play along with technical competence in the set play scrum and lineout."

Fiji completed their World Cup preparation with a 29-19 victory over Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, and have a three-week break until their tournament kicks-off against Australia in Sapporo on September 21.

Fiji's 31-man World Cup squad:

Props

Campese Ma’afu

Eroni Mawi

Peni Ravai

Manasa Saulo

Kalivati Tawake

Hooker

Mesulame Dolokoto

Samuel Matavesi

Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto

Locks

Tevita Cavubati

Leone Nakarawa

Apisalome Ratuniyarawa

Tevita Ratuva

Loose Forwards

Semi Kunatani

Viliame Mata

Mosese Voka

Dominiko Waqaniburotu

Peceli Yato

Halfbacks

Frank Lomani

Nikola Matawalu

Henry Seniloli

Inside Backs

Levani Botia

Jale Vatubua

Ben Volavola

Outside Backs

Vereniki Goneva

Filipo Nakosi

Waisea Nayacalevu

Semi Radradra

Josua Tuisova

Utility Backs

Joshua Matavesi

Alivereti Veitokani

Fullback

Kini Murimurivalu

Fiji's 11 standby players:

Lee-Roy Atilifo

Luke Tagi

Joeli Veitayaki

Tevita Ikanivere

Albert Tuisue

Johnny Dyer

Nemani Negusa

Serupepeli Vularika

Sevanaia Galala

Eroni Sau

Setareki Tuicuvu

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