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Fiji name team to play the All Blacks - Nadolo, Botia and Nakarawa start
By Ian Cameron
Fiji Head Coach Vern Cotter has named his 23-man Flying Fijian team to take on the All Black this weekend in Dunedin.
The game - which is being streamed in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Middle East on RugbyPass - will a plethora of stars who are plying their trade in the Northern Hemisphere.
“Leone Nakarawa coming back in the team has helped cohesion in the lineout and lineout calling as he brings experience," said Cotter.
“We will need leadership and the forwards will have to be very good because we have to protect Simione Kuruvoli who is only having his second game with Fiji against the All Blacks and his opponent is Aron Smith, so it will be a great day for him, therefore, the forwards must be strong to protect him.
"Eroni Sau has trained very well and he has fitted in quickly. He has impressed us and had a very good season with Edinburgh so his continuing that form, Nemani has had a big season with Leicester with Kini Murimurivalu and Waisea Nayacalevu has also had a good season.”
“We have been happy with the preparation, that hasn’t been ideal but when we see what’s happening in Fiji, we just want to play well and hopefully we will lift spirits on the island.
"It’s cold in Dunedin but we will play under-covered roof, will be a dry ball game which suits us and we are going to play Fijian rugby which suits us and in which we good at” said Cotter.
Fans can avail of a weekend pass at the new price of just £4.99/€5.99/$5.99 for the Steinlager Series. You can sign up at liverugby.net/viewplans
FLYING FIJIANS VS NEW ZEALAND
1. Peni Ravai
2. Samuel Matavesi
3. Mesake Doge
4. Temo Mayanavanua
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Johnny Dyer
7. Mesulame Kunavula
8. Albert Tuisue
9. Simione Kuruvoli
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Levani Botia {c}
13. Waisea Nayacalevu
14. Eroni Sau
15. Kini Murimurivalu
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Peni Narisia *
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Leeroy Atalifo
19. Tevita Ratuva
20. Peceli Yato
21. Setareki Tuicuvu
22. Eneriko Buliruarua *
23. Manasa Mataele *
*denotes uncapped players
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Latest Comments
Always reluctant to blame a coach when losses rack up, but Penney must go. The backline is dysfunctional and the coach must carry the can. No cohesion, no idea and in many cases, minimal skill. The trains out of Roma St depart faster than the ball from Crusaders’ set pieces. Wouldn’t be surprised if the forwards went on strike.
Go to commentsAdding to earlier comment. Cullen Grace has been playing great at no6. Lio-Willie , who was on fire a few weeks ago, had a bad game. I think Cullen should have been moved to 8 earlier, Dominic Gardiner on earlier. Feel for Quinten Strange , put in a big shift .
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