Flying Fijians to be tested by Italian forward pack
The last two performance against France and Wales was not up to standard where Fiji's front row struggled in plenty areas.
Coach, Samu Domoni Jnr has opted to use Deacon Manu, Tuapati Talemaitoga and Campese Ma'afu to front up Italy tomorrow morning.
The Italy forwards are no-pushover after they demolished the Wallabies scrum last week and also one of the best forward packs in the World Argentina, struggled against the Italians.
Domoni still is in his testing ground for next year’s Rugby World cup and believes that after three weeks together, Fiji's forward pack can now deliver the result.
Also in the bench, it will be a chance for local player, Vesi Rarawa to come in as an impact player in place of Campese Ma'afu.
Fiji's starting 15 includes, Norman Ligairi, Vereniki Goneva, Albert Vulivuli, Gabriele Lovobalavu, Napolioni Nalaga , Seremaia Baï, Nemia Kenatale, Sisa Koyamaibole, Akapusi Qera, Semisi Naevo, Jone Qovu, Wame Lewaravu, Deacon Manu, Tuapati Talemaitoga and Campese Ma'afu.
Flying Fijians and Italy match kicks off at 3am tomorrow.
Story by: Dhanjay Deo
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement