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Fiji tweak starting XV for semi-final against USA
By Ned Lester
The Flying Fijians have made three changes from the team that dismissed Tonga in round three of the Pacific Nations Cup as they look to claim another title in the revamped tournament.
The World Cup quarter-finalists play the USA in the opening semi-final of the weekend in Tokyo and have named a powerful matchday 23 for the occasion.
Isoa Nasilasila rejoins the starting unit in the second row, along with Kitione Salawa who comes into the No. 7 jersey, replacing Elia Canakaivata who moves to No. 8 and pushes Albert Tuisue to the bench.
In the backline, Inia Tabuavou comes in at inside centre for Adrea Cocagi while Apisalome Vota assumes his spot on the bench.
Fiji head coach Mick Byrne's promising start to the campaign saw his team come through the pool stage undefeated and with comfortably the best points differential in the competition, placing them as heavy favourites for the semi-final.
Fiji team to face the USA
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 Epeli Momo
12 Inia Tabuavou
13 Iosefo Baleiwairiki
14 Vuate Karawalevu
15 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Reserves
16 Mesulame Dolokoto
17 Haereiti Hetet
18 Peni Ravai
19 Ratu Rotuisolia
20 Albert Tuisue
21 Peni Matawalu
22 Apisalome Vota
23 Ilaisa Droasese
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Go to commentsI’d take the Sharks, Stormers, Bulls, and Lions back in a second. Super Rugby Pacific is improving and the conference system sucked ass and never should have been implemented but if you think the quality of rugby is better without the South African franchises, you are kidding yourself.
And there is nothing authentic about Moana Pacifika, it is a sixth NZ franchise. Almost all of the players are NZ citizens, born and raised in NZ, were developed by NZ secondary schools and play in the NPC. The players just happen to be of Pacific heritage (just as there are a very large number of Pacific heritage players on the original five NZ franchises). Moana Pacifika is a marketing ploy for Auckland’s second SRP franchise.
Fiji Drua are legitimately a Pacific island team. Most players are born in Fiji, the players live and train in Fiji, and they play their home matches in Fiji.
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