Fiji change four for Australia

John McKee has offered his team a vote of confidence ahead of their match against Australia on Wednesday, making only four changes to the side that never quite got going against England on Friday. The changes all come up front, with one enforced after Dominiko Waqaniburotu was suspended for a week following his tip-tackle on Jonny May, an action that earned only a penalty during the match.

Clermont dynamo Peceli Yato comes in on the flank, while former skipper Netani Talei is recalled to start at no8 in place of Masi Matadigo. At hooker Sunia Koto is left out in favour of Tale Tuapati, and Tevita Cavubati comes in for Api Ratuniyarawa in the second row. Vili Veikoso, Nemia Soqeta, and Malakai Ravulo are the new additions in the reserves.

Fiji will have to beat Australia if they have any hope of making the quarter final, something they have not achieved since 1954. They have not come within 40 points of the Wallabies since 1985, with their last meeting a 49-3 loss in Canberra in June 2010.

FIJI
1 Campese Ma’afu 2 Tale Tuapati 3 Manasa Saulo 4 Tevita Cavubati 5 Leone Nakarawa 6 Peceli Yato 7 Akapusi Qera (capt.) 8 Netani Talei 9 Nikola Matawalu 10 Ben Volavola 11 Nemani Nadolo 12 Gaby Lovobalavu 13 Vereniki Goneva 14 Waisea Nayacalevu 15 Metuisela Talebula

16 Vili Veikoso 17 Peni Ravai 18 Isei Colati 19 Nemia Soqeta 20 Malakai Ravulo 21 Nemia Kenatale 22 Josh Matavesi 23 Asaeli Tikoirotuma