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Fiji hand Test debut to ex-rugby league star in Pacific Nations Cup

Waratahs' Vuate Karawalevu scores a try during the Super Rugby match between the Wellington Hurricanes and NSW Waratahs at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on May 3, 2024. (Photo by Grant Down / AFP) (Photo by GRANT DOWN/AFP via Getty Images)

Fiji has announced its team to face Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup on Friday in the first round of the tournament.

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The Flying Fijians team will feature test debuts for left winger Epeli Momo and full-back Vuate Karawalevu. Momo has progressed through the Fiji U20 and Warriors system and played professionally in France before returning home to join the Fijian Drua.

Karawalevu – a cross-code athlete –  has rejoined the 15-a-side game with the NSW Waratahs after representing Fiji at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

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‘This Energy Never Stops’ – One year to go until the Women’s Rugby World Cup

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    ‘This Energy Never Stops’ – One year to go until the Women’s Rugby World Cup

    With exactly one year to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 kicks off
    in Sunderland, excitement is sweeping across the host nation in anticipation of what
    will be the biggest and most accessible celebration of women’s rugby ever.

    Register now for the ticket presale

    Two Olympic silver medallists from Paris 2024, Iosefo Baleiwairiki and Selesitino Ravutaumada, are also included in the starting line-up.

    Fixture
    Pacific Nations Cup
    Fiji
    42 - 16
    Full-time
    Samoa
    All Stats and Data

    The team will see first starts for tight-head prop Samu Tawake and number eight Elia Canakaivata. Scrum-half Frank Lomani, with 33 test caps, brings experience to an otherwise young XV. On the bench seasoned players Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, and Albert Tuisue are available, while Fijian Drua centre Apisalome Vota is also set for his Test debut.

    FIJI:
    1. Haereiti Hetet
    2. Tevita Ikanivere (captain)
    3. Samu Tawake
    4. Isoa Nasilasila
    5. Temo Mayanavanua
    6. Meli Derenalagi
    7. Kitione Salawa
    8. Elia Canakaivata
    9. Frank Lomani
    10. Caleb Muntz
    11. Epeli Momo
    12. Inia Tabuavou
    13. Iosefo Baleiwairiki
    14. Selesitino Ravutaumada
    15. Vuate Karawalevu

    Replacements:
    16. Mesulame Dolokoto
    17. Eroni Mawi
    18. Peni Ravai
    19. Mesake Vocevoce
    20. Albert Tuisue
    21. Moses Sorovi
    22. Isiah Ravula
    23. Apisalome Vota

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    Comments

    1 Comment
    T
    Turlough 354 days ago

    Looking forward to this and good to get Tier2 promoted.

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