Dangerous Fiji lineup named for World Cup Opener

Pacific Nations Cup Champions, Fiji have named their team for the opening match of the Rugby World Cup. The world’s 9th ranked nation will play against tournament hosts, and the number 4 ranked England at London’s Twickenham Stadium on Friday.

Head Coach John McKee has gone for a dangerous team with French champion with Stade Français, Waisea Nayacalevu, starting in the back-three together with Bordeaux’s Metuisela Talebula and Nemani Nadolo of the Crusaders. The highly respected Gabriele Lovobalavu and Vereniki Goneva will add just as much threat from the mid-field.

Playing in his third Rugby World Cup Akapusi will lead the team from openside flanker. Players of note joining him in the pack include Leone Nakarawa and Sakiusa Masi Matadigo while one of rugby’s most underrated players, Nikola Matawalu will be the general from scrumhalf.

Fiji
1 Campese Ma’afu, 2 Sunia Koto, 3 Manasa Saulo, 4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7 Akapusi Qera (Captain), 8 Sakiusa Masi Matadigo, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 10 Ben Volavola, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 12 Gabriele Lovobalavu, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 14 Waisea Nayacalevu, 15 Metuisela Talebula

16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Nemia Kenatale, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Aseli Tikoirotuma