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Fiji make minor adjustments to backline for PNC final
By Ned Lester
Fiji head coach Mick Byrne liked what he saw in his side's Pacific Nations Cup semi-final win over the USA and so has backed largely the same cast of players to get the job done in Saturday's final in Osaka.
Just one change in the starting XV sees Inia Tabuavou shift to inside centre after operating on the left wing a week ago, while Ilaisa Droasese comes in to fill the vacated wing position and Olympic silver medalist Ponipate Loganismasi earns the call-up to the bench.
This selection comes after just three changes were made to the Fijian team for the semi-final, ensuring familiarity for the young squad under the bright lights of finals football.
Fiji team to face Japan
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Tevita Ikanivere
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. Ilaisa Droasese
12. Inia Tabuavou
13. Iosefo Masi
14. Vuate Karawalevu
15. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Replacements
16. Mesulame Dolokoto
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Peni Ravai
19. Ratu Rotuisolia
20. Albert Tuisue
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Apisalome Vota
23. Ponipate Loganismasi
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I think we need to get innovative with the new laws.
Now red cards are only 20 minutes, Razor should send Finau on a head hunting mission to hospitalise their 10 with a shoulder to the chops.
Give the conspiracy theorists a win.
Go to commentsEngland played well enough to win but couldnt score when they needed to and couldnt defend a couple of X-Factor moments from Telea which was ultimately the difference. They needed to hold the ball more and make the AB's make more tackles. Territorially they were good for the first 60. Defending their lead and playing pragmatic rugby in the last 20 was silly. The AB's always had the potential to come back. England still have a long way to go, definite progress would have been shown had they won but it seems they are still stuck where they were shortly after the six nations and their tour to NZ
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