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Fijian Head Coach John McKee has named his 31-man player roster for the upcoming Rugby World Cup to be played in England and Wales. Included are a number of players who featured in the recent Pacific Nations Cup in which all but one match took place in North America. Fiji won by defeating Samoa in the Final.
The roster features world class players in a variety of positions, none more so than in the mid-field and back-three with Vereniki Goneva, Nemani Nadolo, Kini Murimurivalu, Metuisela Talebula and Waisea Nayacalevu all having stared this past season while playing in one of the Aviva Premiership, Top 14 or Super Rugby.
The quality, though, goes beyond the stereotypical Fijian flair out wide as Leone Nakarawa and Peceli Yato are instances of world class forwards who have delivered at the elite level for leading European clubs.
McKee shared his delight in his roster: “I am very pleased to announce a very strong and experienced team to represent Fiji at RWC2015. After the successful Pacific Nations Cup campaign and current training camp here in Fiji the squad is working well towards the challenges ahead in the UK at RWC2015.”
The tough assignment awaiting Fiji is nothing less than the Pool of Death, a group in which both host nations and Australia are to be joined by Fiji and Uruguay. McKee declared: “Pool A is a very challenging pool and I have every confidence that this team will rise to the challenge and bring their best game to every match at the World Cup. Challenges such as those ahead of us bring out the best in top competitors and top teams“.
The uniqueness of Pool A has seen the fourth seeded Fiji selected to open the tournament against England at London’s Twickenham Stadium. The decision was made to put less pressure on England and ensure the event did not begin in a similar manner to that of 2007 when France lost against Argentina.
Fiji’s remaining matches will be in Cardiff against Australia and Wales before finishing the pool phase against Uruguay in Milton Keynes. The top two from the group will advance while the third will earn the consolation of direct qualification for Rugby World Cup 2019.
FORWARDS
Lee-Roy Atalifo (Suva), Isei Colati (Nevers), Campese Ma’afu (Nottingham), Peni Ravai (Nadroga), Manasa Saulo (Timisoara), Sunia Koto (Narbonne), Tale Tuapati (Stade Français), Vili Veikoso (Rotherham), Tevita Cavubati (Ospreys), Leone Nakarawa (Glasgow), Api Ratuniyarawa (Agen), Nemia Soqeta (Biarritz), Masi Matadigo (Lyon), Akapusi Qera (capt., Montpellier), Malakai Ravulo (Steaua Bucuresti), Netani Talei (Harlequins), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Brive), Peceli Yato (Clermont)
BACKS
Nemia Kenatale (Steaua Bucuresti), Nikola Matawalu (Glasgow), Henry Seniloli (Benetton Treviso), Ben Volavola (Waratahs), Josh Matavesi (Ospreys), Levani Botia (La Rochelle), Gaby Lovobalavu (Bayonne), Vereniki Goneva (Leicester), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Français), Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Harlequins), Metuisela Talebula (Bordeaux), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle)
NON-TRAVELING RESERVES
Taniela Koroi (Wellington), Joeli Veitayaki (Naitasiri), Jerry Yanuyanutawa (Glasgow), Jale Sassen (Tailevu), Savenaca Tabakanalagi (Suva), Seremaia Baï (Leicester), Napolioni Nalaga (Clermont), Timoci Nagusa (Montpellier)
