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Superstars return as Fiji make 6 changes for Wales
By Josh Raisey
Fiji have welcomed back a host of their superstar players for their clash with Wales on Sunday at the Principality Stadium after being without them for the 57-17 loss to Scotland last week.
With the match against Scotland falling outside the international window, Fiji were unable to field their players based in the Top 14 and Gallagher Premiership, meaning some of the biggest names in rugby were missing.
Head coach Mick Byrne has now been able to call upon Lyon's Semi Radradra, Racing 92's Josua Tuisova and Toulon's Jiuta Wainiqolo from the Top 14, as well as captain Waisea Nayacalevu, to revolutionise the Fijian backline.
There have been two changes in the pack, with Saracens' loosehead Eroni Mawi coming in, as well as Northampton Saints' Temo Mayanavanua.
Had Fiji been able to field this team against Gregor Townsend's side, the result may have been very different, and Wales will be acutely aware that they will be coming up against a different beast on Sunday as they look for their first Test win of 2024.
Fiji XV
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 Semi Radradra
12 Josua Tuisova
13 Waisea Nayacalevu - captain
14 Jiuta Wainiqolo
15 Vuate Karawalevu
Replacements
16 Sam Matavesi
17 Haereiti Hetet
18 Jone Koroiduadua
19 Mesake Vocevoce
20 Albert Tuisue
21 Simione Kuruvoli
22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
23 Sireli Maqala
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Latest Comments
He got very direct ball today for a Dmac led backline, was more like how BB had been directing/feeding them ball (did OK with it too).
Go to commentsYou have to remember that England were not behaving like professional sportsmen under Johnno or Lancaster. More like a bunch of uni students mucking about under Johnno and then you had George and Mike Ford trying to sabotage Sam Burgess's career and undermine Lancaster, who brought Sam into union. Mike Ford wanted Stuart Lacaster's job. That culminated in the 2015 Wales rwc pool match where Ford ignored his captain and arguably threw the game. I've read and seen all the vitriol from Bath against Sam Burgess and he finally opened up and told the whole story last year. Given all this chaos, I think Eddie Jones was perfect for England. They either grew up or they went out on their ear. You also need to remember Care was arrested for public indecency while drunk and urinating on the steps of a hotel, so he's one of the manchildren I mentioned earlier. No wonder he was scared of Jones.
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