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Peceli Yato will make his return for Fiji against Japan in the opening weekend of the Pacific Nations Cup. The Clermont Auvergne star missed out on the matches against the New Zealand Māori but is ready to take his place in an intimidating loose forward group set to be unleashed on the Baby Blossoms.
Yato is the only member of the 27-strong traveling party named by coach John McKee that did not play in either match. After fielding a largely second-string side in the match at Rotorua, McKee will name his strongest available lineup as Fiji look to start their PNC campaign on the front foot.
Manasa Saulo, Leone Nakarawa, Frank Lomani, and Levani Botia were among those rested this past weekend who will be back in on the field in Kamaishi. Others are still nursing injuries but McKee is hopeful that dynamic midfielder Semi Radradra will be fit to play against Canada, with winger Vereniki Goneva targeting a return against Samoa.
This weekend’s match will be played at the newly revamped Unosumai Stadium – also dubbed the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium. They will then return home to play both Canada and Samoa at ANZ National Stadium in Suva.
FORWARDS
Campese Ma’afu (Leicester Tigers, UK), Eroni Mawi (Fijian Latui), Peni Ravai (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Mesulame Dolokoto (Fijian Latui), Sam Matavesi (Cornish Pirates, UK), Veremalua Vugakoto (Fijian Latui), Lee-Roy Atalifo (Jersey Reds, UK), Manasa Saulo (London Irish, UK), Kali Tawake (Biarritz, FR), Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92, FR), Api Ratuniyarawa (Northampton Saints, UK), Albert Tuisue (London Irish, UK), Semi Kunatani (Harlequins, UK), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh, UK), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (capt., Brive, FR), Peceli Yato (Clermont Auvergne, FR)
BACKS
Frank Lomani (Fijian Latui), Henry Seniloli (Doncaster Knights, UK), Alivereti Veitokani (London Irish, UK), Ben Volavola (Racing 92, FR), Levani Botia (La Rochelle, FR), Josh Matavesi (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Français, FR), Jale Vatubua (Pau, FR), Filipo Nakosi (Toulon, FR), Patrick Osborne (Highlanders, NZ), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle, FR)
