LONDON – Fiji have opted to go for youthful exuberance in their squad to open the Rugby World Cup against England on Friday.
Ben Volavola gets the nod to start at no.10 ahead of incumbent Josh Matavesi and the young fly-half will look to stamp his authority early on in the World Cup with the 24 year old coming to the tournament with high praises and even higher expectations.
Gloucester flanker Akapusi Qera will captain the side with a number of UK-based players including Leicester centre Verenike Govena and Glasgow lock Leone Nakarawa. Super Rugby’s Crusaders’ winger Nemani Nadolo will also start on the wing and will be undoubtedly one of the watched players of the tournament. Nadolo will also assume the kicking duties ahead of Volavola who will join the hulking winger at the Crusaders in 2016.
A lot of eyes will be on Fiji on Friday with the Pacific Islanders expected to cause more than a stir in the ‘Pool of Death’.
Fiji side to play England
1 Campese Ma’afu
2 Sunia Koto
3 Manasa Saulo
4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5 Leone Nakarawa
6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7 Akapusi Qera (c)
8 Sakiusa Masi Matadigo
9 Nikola Matawalu
10 Ben Volavola
11 Nemani Nadolo
12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13 Vereniki Goneva
14 Waisea Nayacalevu
15 Metuisela Talebula
Replacements
16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Nemia Kenatale, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Aseli Tikoirotuma