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Fiji make one enforced change for Wales clash from team that conquered England
By Josh Raisey
Fiji have made one changed from the starting XV that beat England two weeks ago for their World Cup opener against Wales on Sunday, with Teti Tela replacing the injured Caleb Muntz.
After steering Fiji to a historic win at Twickenham in Fiji's final match before the World Cup, Muntz was ruled out of the tournament this week with a knee injury. His Fijian Drua teammate has replaced him in the starting XV, as head coach Simon Raiwalui has understandably opted to stick with a winning formula.
Fiji have been boosted by the return of Josua Tuisova, who missed the match against England with an injury. He will sit on the bench in Bordeaux alongside fellow Top 14 powerhouse Levani Botia, who also missed the England match.
Fiji enter the World Cup as the highest ranked team in Pool C, in seventh, two places above Australia and three places ahead of Sunday's opponents having surged up the world rankings after their Twickenham heroics.
Fiji XV
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Samuel Matavesi
3. Luke Tagi
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Te Ahiwaru Crikidaveta
6. Albert Tuisue
7. Lekima Tagitagivalu
8. Vailame Mata
9. Frank Lomani
10. Teti Tela
11. Vinaya Habosi
12. Semi Radradra
13. Waisea Nayacalevu (captain)
14. Selesitini Ravutaumada
15. Ilaisea Droasese
Replacements:
16. Tevita Ikanivere
17. Peni Ravai
18. Masake Doge
19. Temo Mayanavanua
20. Levani Botia
21. Simione Kuruvoli
22. Josua Tuisova
23. Sireli Maqala
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Latest Comments
I think the majority of their yellow cards were for cynical infringements instead of repeated infringements.
Go to commentsSpeed of game and stoppages in play remain a problem SK. Set piece oriented teams generally want a lower ball in play time, and they have various strategies to try and get it - legal and illegal!
They want to maximize their power in short bursts, then recover for the next effort. Teams like Bristol are the opposite. They want high ball in play to keep the oppo moving, they want quicker resolution at set pieces, and if anyone is to kick the ball out, they want it to be the other team.
The way rugby is there will always be a place for set piece based teams, but progression in the game is associated far more with the Black Ferns/Bristol style.
The scrum is a crucible. We have still not solved the problem of scrums ending in FKs and penalties, sometimes with yellow cards attached. A penalty ought not to be the aim of a scrum, a dominant SP should lead to greater attacking opportunity as long as the offence is not dangerous but technical in nature.
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