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Fiji and Samoa will meet for a second time in the Pacific Nations Cup, this time to contest the title of champion. It’s a fitting end to the tournament, as the two fought to a thrilling draw in Sacramento just 10 days ago, an early contender for match of the year.
John McKee has made a half-dozen changes from the team that pushed past Japan. Sunia Koto is recalled at hooker, and Masi Matadigo at no8, with captain Akapusi Qera reverting to his favored flanker position. Niko Matawalu gets his first start of the competition after sitting on the bench against Tonga in round one.
Gaby Lovobalavu rotates into the midfield replacing Levani Botia, with Waisea Nayacalevu taking over at outside centre in place of Vereniki Goneva. The new left winger is Asaeli Tikoirotuma, who pushes Napolioni Nalaga to the reserves.
Seven names are different in the Samoan starting lineup from the one that escaped Toronto with a fortunate win over Canada. Try-scorer Sakaria Taulafo is back at loosehead, with Manu Leiataua at hooker. Fa’atiga Lemalu comes into the second row, and Jack Lam replaces TJ Ioane at openside flanker.
Injury to Pele Cowley means that Kahn Fotuali’i has joined up with the squad, and he is immediately handed the no9 jersey. Johnny Leota takes over from Paul Perez at outside centre, and Fa’atoina Autagavaia gets an unusual start on the wing.
Fiji have won the tournament outright once, in 2013, and were joint winners with Japan last year, though technically in second place based on match points. Samoa were crowned kings in both 2010 and 2012. The match rounds out an exciting triple header at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby.
FIJI
1 Campese Ma’afu 2 Sunia Koto 3 Manasa Saulo 4 Tevita Cavubati 5 Leone Nakarawa 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu 7 Akapusi Qera (capt.) 8 Masi Matadigo 9 Niko Matawalu 10 Josh Matavesi 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma 12 Gaby Lovobalavu 13 Waisea Nayacalevu 14 Metuisela Talebula 15 Kini Murimurivalu
16 Tale Tuapati 17 Peni Ravai 18 Isei Colati 19 Nemia Soqeta 20 Peceli Yato 21 Nemia Kenatale 22 Ben Volavola 23 Napolioni Nalaga
SAMOA
1 Sakaria Taulafo 2 Manu Leiataua 3 Anthony Perenise 4 Joe Tekori 5 Fa’atiga Lemalu 6 Faifili Levave 7 Jack Lam 8 Vavae Tuilagi 9 Kahn Fotuali’i 10 Mike Stanley 11 Alesana Tuilagi (capt.) 12 Faialaga Afamasaga 13 Johnny Leota 14 Fa’atoina Autagavaia 15 Ahsee Tuala
16 Andrew Williams 17 Viliamu Afatia 18 Jake Grey 19 Filo Paulo 20 TJ Ioane 21 Vavao Afemai 22 Patrick Fa’apale 23 Sinoti Sinoti
