Vodafone Flying Fijians coach John McKee has made seven changes to the national side preparing to take on Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup final tomorrow.
Moving back to his usual number 7 position is captain Akapusi Qera which allows Masi Matadigo to start at number eight while Sunia Koto will add his experience at hooker.
Outgoing Glasgow Warriors half back Nikola Matawalu has been named to combine with Josh Matavesi in the halves, Asaeli Tikoirotuma replaces Napolioni Nalaga on the blindside wing, Gabriel Lovobalavu replaces Levani Botia at inside center while Waisea Nayacalevu has replaced Vereniki Goneva at outside center.
Meanwhile Samoa’s experienced half back Kahn Fotuali’i comes straight into the starting line‑up and his experience will be key to Samoa’s hopes of beating Fiji.
Samoa has been hit by injuries to scrum‑half Pele Cowley, hooker Motu Matuu, and centre Paul Perez.
Fiji will play Samoa at 12pm tomorrow at Swanguard Stadium in Burnaby, Canada.
Fiji team : 1. CAMPESE MAAFU, 2. SUNIA KOTO, 3. MANASA SAULO, 4. TEVITA CAVUBATI, 5. LEONE NAKARAWA, 6. DOM WAQANIBUROTU, 7. AKAPUSI QERA (CAPTAIN), 8. MASI MATADIGO, 9. NIKOLA MATAWALU, 10. JOSHUA MATAVESI, 11. ASAELI TIKOIROTUMA, 12. GABIRIELE LOVOBALAVU, 13. WAISEA NAYACALEVU, 14 METUISELA TALEBULA, 15. KINI MURIMURIVALU.
Reserves : 16. TUAPATI TALEMAITOGA, 17. PENI RAVAI, 18. ISEI COLATI, 19. NEMIA SOQETA, 20. PECELI YATO, 21. NEMIA KENATALE, 22. BEN VOLAVOLA, 23. NAPALIONI NALAGA.
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