Star player Semi Radradra has shifted to the left wing to make space for the robust Josua Tuisova in the midfield for their Rugby World Cup clash with Australia.
Bruising ball carrier Josua Tuisova has been elevated to the starting lineup as he has been named at 12 for Fiji who face Australia this weekend.
Backline tweaks
Tuisova is joined in the midfield by his captain Waisea Nayacalevu with star man Semi Radradra moving onto the left wing. Juita Wainiqolo starts on the right wing while Ilaisa Droasese gets another run at full-back
In the half-backs, fly-half Teti Tela is joined by scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli for the big Test against the Wallabies.
💪 Josua Tuisova at 12 as Semi Radradra moves to wing! #AUSvFIJ
🇫🇯 That’s a seriously strong Fiji XV to face the Wallabies. #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/8o3OzQiiMT
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) September 15, 2023
Committed ball-carrying number eight Viliame Mata starts again as he will be looking to build on last weekend’s efforts, joining him in the back-row are flanks Levani Botia and Lekima Tagitagivalu who will be influential for the Flying Fijians.
In the tight five Te Ahiwaru Ciridaveta and Isoa Nasilasila make up the second-row whilst hooker Sam Matavesi is joined by props Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi.
On the bench, hooker Tevita Ikanivere and props Peni Ravai and Mesake Doge are the front-row options. Temp Mayanavanua and Albert Tuisue round out the forward replacements.
Experienced scrum-half Frank Lomani is joined by Vilomoni Botitu and Vinaya Habosi as the backline options for head coach Simon Raiwalui.
The team
Fiji: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Vinaya Habosi
Date: Sunday, September 17
Venue: Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Etienne
Kick-off: 17:45 local (16:45 BST, 15:45 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper (SARU), Chris Busby (IRFU)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)
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