Head coach John McKee said he is pleased to be able to announce a strong lineup to play Tonga in their final Test Match before traveling to Japan for the Rugby World Cup.
“Our preparation since the 1st of July has been all about RWC but when the Fiji team crosses the white line on Saturday this match will be about nothing other than Fiji versus Tonga,” McKee added.
In-form Hooker Sam Matavesi joins experienced Props Campese Ma’afu and Kalivati Tawake in the front-row while Tevita Cavubati and Leone Nakarawa partner at the Locks.
Skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Semi Kunatani are on the Flanks and Peceli Yato starts for the first time at number eight this season.
In the backs, Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola maintain their places at scrum-half and at number 10.
McKee has named a powerful center combination of Levani Botia and Semi Radradra at number 12 and 13 respectively.
Vereniki Goneva and Josua Tuisova are on the wings while Alivereti Veitokani is at full-back.
“We know Tonga will bring a lot of physicality in attack and defense in this match,” McKee commented.
“Our players know they will have to stand up in this physical contest to be successful in the outcome of this match”.
McKee says their test match against Tonga is an opportunity for players to showcase their talent and put their heads up for selection in their opening Rugby World Cup match against Australia.
McKee has requested Fiji rugby fans in New Zealand to come out in numbers to support them tomorrow.
“We are hoping to see plenty of “Banners Blue” at Eden Park on Saturday supporting our Fiji Airways Flying Fijians,” he said.
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians take on Tonga at 5 pm at Auckland’s Eden Park at in New Zealand.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad for Tonga match:
Campese Ma’afu
Sam Matavesi
Kalivati Tawake
Tevita Cavubati
Leone Nakarawa
Dominiko Waqaniburotu
Semi Kunatani
Peceli Yato
Frank Lomani
Ben Volavola
Vereniki Goneva
Levani Botia
Semi Radradra
Josua Tuisova
Alivereti Veitokani
Reserves
Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto
Eroni Mawi
Peni Ravai
Tevita Ratuva
Viliame Mata
Nikola Matawalu
Joshua Matavesi
Waisea Nayacalevu
Source - FBC News.
