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Seven changes for Fiji whose midfield combo is one not to be missed
By Liam Heagney
Fiji have made seven changes to their starting line-up to face England at Twickenham this Saturday. The Pacific Islanders were beaten 17-34 by Rugby World Cup hosts France last weekend in Nantes.
Simon Raiwalui has now rung the alterations for their final Summer Nations Series match ahead of next month’s finals campaign which begins with their September 10 meeting with Wales in Bordeaux.
Three changes are in the backline with Ilaisa Droasese in for Sireli Maqala at full-back, Selesitino Ravutaumada on the right wing for Jiuta Wainiqolo and skipper Waisea Nayacalevu named at outside centre for Iosefo Masi.
There are four changes to the pack. Sam Matavesi is at hooker for Tevita Ikanivere with Luke Tagi at tighthead for Mesake Doge. Meanwhile, the back row sees Albert Tuisue included for Meli Derenalagi and Lekima Tagitagivalu for Meli Derenalagi.
Raiwalui said: “We have been rotating players and testing combinations, so this is the right time to test these two experienced players [Nayacalevu in a midfield partnership with Semi Radradra] this weekend.
"They are leaders in the team and also role models to our players and I’m confident that they will form the best combination on the day.
“It’s another big physical battle and they [England] will try and use their pack to the limit. We have been working on ours and they will be very tactical with their kicking. It is going to be a different challenge this weekend.”
Fiji (vs England, Saturday – 3:15pm):
15. Ilaisa Droasese; 14. Selesitino Ravutaumada, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), 12. Semi Radradra, 11. Vinaya Habosi; 10. Caleb Muntz, 9. Frank Lomani; 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Luke Tagi, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidveta, 6. Albert Tuisue, 7. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8. Viliame Mata. Reps: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Jone Koroiduadua, 18. Samu Tawake, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Teti Tela, 23. Kalaveti Ravouvou.
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The FFR doesn't pay for the contracts though, so ultimately they aren't really in fiscal control.
Go to commentsIndeed there is a season issue! It's not my preferred model and I too see it unlikely in that form, but it's the easiest thing to use to give people a good picture of what it could be like. The USA angle obviously a double whammy.
It would be great if the islands could get funding to build a nice 10k+ seater stadium, plus more on the benches etc. I just feel Super is the best way to get those other nations up to speed for inclusion into RC faster. Maybe if all of Fiji's talent had to play locally theyd be quality rivals?
Problem with your singular direction I see is that the game needs another angle to get that revenue generation up so that it can entice those Top 14 players back. I think the easiest first step is to get that revenue up and entice those players back into the local competition then expand into the Islands (what that sctrucure like stadia are equal in quality) and have those players player in the Japan and US teams form the basis of a couple more Island teams.
Remember, a late game start in the US is a nice afternoon start to the footy window in NZ and Aus!
Oh did you see the reports of the new world league again, I don't necessarily like it but that's the market i'm talking about!
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