Fiji ready for another England scalp as team is named for knockouts

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has named his 23-man match-day squad to play England in their Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final in Marseille on Sunday.

Following a disappointing 24-23 defeat to Portugal in the final pool match of the tournament, Fiji now face an England side in a quarter-final, having beaten them at Twickenham just a few months back.

The team features 10 players who started for Fiji in that famous victory, including five in the back-line with only Caleb Muntz and Selesitino Ravutaumada missing from this team.

Fiji's three try-scorers in that first win for Fiji over England have been named in the match-day 23 - Vinaya Habosi, Simione Kuruvoli and captain Waisea Nayacalevu.

FIJI TEAM TO FACE ENGLAND IN THE QUARTER FINAL

1 Eroni Mawi

2 Tevita Ikanivere

3 Luke Tagi

4 Isoa Nasilasila

5 Albert Tuisue

6 Lekima Tagitagivalu

7 Levani Botia

8 Viliame Mata

9 Frank Lomani

10 Vilimoni Botitu

11 Semi Radradra

12 Josua Tuisova

13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)

14 Vinaya Habosi

15 Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements:

16 Samuel Matavesi

17 Peni Ravai

18 Mesake Doge

19 Meli Derenalagi

20 Vilive Miramira

21 Simione Kuruvoli

22 Iosefo Masi

23 Sireli Maqala

Hooker Tevita Ikanivere earns his first Rugby World Cup start after playing Fiji's first four pool games off the bench. In his 12th test since making his debut in July last year, this will be only his fourth start – all three of his tries have come when he has worn the number two jersey.

Semi Radradra returns to the left wing, with Vinaya Habosi switching to the right. He is still chasing his first try of RWC 2023 after scoring two in 2019. Four of his six career tries have come when he has started in the midfield. Radradra announced this year he would be moving to Lyon after three years with the Bristol Bears.

If used off the bench Peni Ravai will join Akapusi Qera, Campese Ma’afu and Leone Nakarawa as the second-most capped Fijian at the Rugby World Cup with 12 appearances. Only Nicky Little has played more games with 14 between 1999 and 2011.