Flying Fijians head coach, Samu Domoni Jnr have made three changes to his starting line-up that will take on the Springboks on Saturday.
Domoni has stuck to the same backline that beat Namibia 49-25 but in the forwards, Sakiusa Masi will start at number 8 ahead of Netani Talei who moves to the bench, Akapusi Qera after a strong second half performance last Saturday will wear the number 7 jumper and the experience Sunia Koto will start at hooker.
In the bench, experience players like Talei, Sisa Koyamaibole and Nicky Little have been named.
The Fiji team to face South Africa in the forwards, Campese Ma’afu, Sunia Koto, Deacon Manu, Leone Nakarawa, Wame Lewaravu, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera and Sakiusa Masi.
In the backline, Nemia Kenatale, Wise Luveniyali, Napolioni Nalaga, Seremaia Bai, Gebby Lovobalavu, Vereniki Goneva and Kini Murimurivalu.
Reserves include Talemaitoga Dautu Tuapati, Waisea Nailago, Netani Edward Talei , Sisa Koyamaibole, Vitori Tomu Buatava, Nicky Little and Ravai Susau Fatiaki.
Forwards coach, Greg Mumm said that the management has decided to name a strong lineup knowing that they need to give their best players the much needed game time in the World Cup.
While his team mates and coaches have said the past counts for nothing at this rugby World Cup, South Africa prop Gurthro Steenkamp has gently reminded his fellow Springboks of the potential banana skin they face against Fiji on Saturday.
Steenkamp said they definitely cannot underestimate Fiji and play to the last minute.
Steenkamp knows full well the impact the Fijians can have on a tournament.
He was a replacement in the 2007 World Cup quarterfinal against Fiji in Marseille, when the Springboks appeared shell shocked after the Fijians drew level at 20-20 with 20 minutes to go after Fiji had scored two tries within three minutes.
However Steenkamp said the South Africa’s pre-tournament nerves have all been worked out in the match against Wales on Sunday.
He said the Fijians are very passionate guys and they will bring everything to that game this Saturday.
Fiji will take on South Africa at 6pm Saturday and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station, Viti FM with the voice of rugby Malakai Veisamasama and expert comments from Ilivasi Tabua.
Meanwhile, All Blacks 11th hour reshuffle has been described by Japan coach John Kirwan as a “coach’s worst nightmare”.
The All Blacks suffered the loss of four key men in the final two days of preparation with Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Israel Dagg and Milis Muliaina ruled out.
They will take on Japan tomorrow at 8pm.
Tonight at 7.30pm, USA faces Russia.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Flying Fijians team named to face S/Africa
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