Fiji name Pacific Nations Cup squad

John McKee has named a 36 man Flying Fijian squad to prepare for the match against the New Zealand Maori on July 11 and the Pacific Nations Cup. The squad has a familiar look to it but includes five uncapped players, including Waratahs flyhalf Ben Volavola, who looks set to wear the problematic no10 jersey. Other newcomers are former u20 front rowers Joeli Veitayaki (Jr.) and Jale Sassen, exciting Clermont back row Peceli Yato, and former 7s star Benito Masilevu, now playing for Brive.

Veitayaki and Sassen are among only three Fiji-based players in the squad, the other being Peni Ravai, a loosehead prop or hooker who spent time with the Greater Sydney Rams in Australia’s NRC competition.

Akapusi Qera returns to captain the side, but there is no place for former skippers Netani Talei and Seremaia Bai, whose visa issues look to have stalled their World Cup ambitions, at least for now. Timoci Nagusa is also absent through injury, but will be considered for the August warm-ups if he returns to full fitness in time.

The team also boasts an impressive coaching roster, having added departing Bulls head coach Frans Ludeke during the week, and also including Crusaders attack coach Tabai Matson, former Wellington coach Alan Muir, and former national captain Mosese Rauluni.

FORWARDS
Isei Colati (Nevers), Taniela Koroi (Wellington), Campese Ma’afu (Nottingham), Peni Ravai (Nadroga), Manasa Saulo (Timisoara), Joeli Veitayaki (Naitasiri), Sunia Koto (Narbonne), Jale Sassen (Tailevu), Tale Tuapati (Stade Francais), Vili Veikoso (Doncaster), Tevita Cavubati (Ospreys), Apisai Naikatini (Wellington), Leone Nakarawa (Glasgow), Api Ratuniyarawa (Agen), Masi Matadigo (Lyon), Akapusi Qera (capt., Montpellier), Malakai Ravulo (Steaua), Nemia Soqeta (Biarritz), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Brive), Peceli Yato (Clermont)

BACKS
Nemia Kenatale (Steaua), Niko Matawalu (Glasgow), Henry Seniloli (Benetton Treviso), Jonetani Ralulu (CSM Bucuresti), Ben Volavola (Waratahs), Levani Botia (La Rochelle), Vereniki Goneva (Leicester), Gabiriele Lovobalavu (Bayonne), Josh Matavesi (Ospreys), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Francais), Benito Masilevu (Brive), Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), Napolioni Nalaga (Clermont), Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Harlequins), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle), Metuisela Talebula (Bordeaux)