McKee trims Fijian squad for PNC

Fiji head coach John McKee has made one last cut heading into the Pacific Nations Cup, releasing five players from the training squad to take it down to 31. In doing so he has shown his hand heading ahead of September’s World Cup, with only one or two changes likely to be made barring injuries.

Jale Sassen, Apisai Naikatini, Jonetani Ralulu, Benito Masilevu, and Napolioni Nalaga are the ones released from the squad, with all named in the non-travelling reserves except Ralulu, whose spot has been taken by Seremaia Bai. Of those, Nalaga is the biggest surprise, with his usual left wing spot instead being occupied by Nemani Nadolo, and a trio of others competing for the right hand side.

Prop Joeli Veitayaki and back row Peceli Yato are the only remaining uncapped players in the group, with Ben Volavola making his debut off the bench in Saturday’s one point loss to the Maori in Suva.

Fiji will play Tonga, Samoa, Japan, and an opponent to be determined in the PNC, beginning July 18 in Suva. In last year’s shortened version of the tournament they defeated Tonga and lost to Samoa.

FORWARDS
Isei Colati (Nevers), Taniela Koroi (Wellington), Campese Ma’afu (Nottingham), Peni Ravai (Nadroga), Manasa Saulo (Timisoara), Joeli Veitayaki (Naitasiri), Sunia Koto (Narbonne), Tale Tuapati (Stade Francais), Vili Veikoso (Doncaster), Tevita Cavubati (Ospreys), Leone Nakarawa (Glasgow), Api Ratuniyarawa (Agen), Nemia Soqeta (Biarritz), Masi Matadigo (Lyon), Akapusi Qera (capt., Montpellier), Malakai Ravulo (Steaua), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Brive), Peceli Yato (Clermont)

BACKS
Nemia Kenatale (Steaua), Niko Matawalu (Glasgow), Henry Seniloli (Benetton Treviso), Josh Matavesi (Ospreys), Ben Volavola (Waratahs), Levani Botia (La Rochelle), Vereniki Goneva (Leicester), Gabiriele Lovobalavu (Bayonne), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Francais), Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Harlequins), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle), Metuisela Talebula (Bordeaux)

NON-TRAVELLING RESERVES
Jerry Yanuyanutawa (Glasgow), Lee-Roy Atalifo (Suva), Jale Sassen (Tailevu), Apisai Naikatini (Wellington), Nemani Nagusa (Nadroga), Jone Dyer (Vatukoula), Serupepeli Vularika (Suva), Seremaia Bai (Leicester), Benito Masilevu (Brive), Napolioni Nalaga (Clermont)