Vern Cotter has named three debutants in the Fiji starting XV for their Autumn Nations Cup 7/8th place play-off against Georgia on Saturday, as they look to end the calendar year with victory.
This will be Fiji’s first match in the competition after Covid-19 protocols prevented them from taking part in the group stage, and they will be looking to prove themselves against a robust Georgian outfit at BT Murrayfield.
Flankers Johnny Dyer and Mesulame Kunavula will be pulling on the shirt of their country for the first time in Edinburgh, as well as lock Temo Mayanavanua.
Cotter has continued with the half-back combination of Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola for the weekend’s clash, while Nemani Nadolo returns on the left wing.
Josua Tuisova will be the man causing havoc on the other flank, while captain Semi Radradra and Levani Botia will be patrolling the midfield with Kini Murimurivalu named as full-back.
There are six more potential debutants on the bench for Fiji, with Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hatet, and Samuela Tawake all given their first opportunity to flourish on the international stage, as well as Chris Minimbi, Manueli Ratuniyarawa and Simione Kuruvoli.
And after the wait to return to action, Cotter is eager for his side to put in a dominant performance against the Lelos, who put in a valiant showing in their 23-10 defeat to Ireland last time out.
Cotter said “We have a very established backline who have played together for many tests and I expect them to be lethal if given quality possession
“We know Georgia is tough and they have been playing plus improving because they are part of good competition.
“The forwards are the first group that I’m really concerned about because we know they will be going to drive our line outs and dominate our scrum and attack when we have the ball so we can’t get the ball out to our exciting backline.
“The players are focused on playing for the Flying Fijians and putting on the white jersey that they are incredibly proud off together with representing their country.
“It’s an exciting blend of experience and young players who want to establish themselves as Flying Fijians.”
Fiji starting XV to face Georgia
1. Peni Ravai
2. Samuel Matavesi
3. Mesake Doge
4. Tevita Ratuva
5. Temo Mayanavanu
6. Johnny Dyer
7. Mesulame Kunavula
8. Albert Tuisue
9. Frank Lomani
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Levani Botia
13. Semi Radradra
14. Josua Tuisova
15. Kini Murimurivalu
Replacements
16. Tevita Ikanivere
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Samuela Tawake
19. Chris Minimbi
20. Manueli Ratuniyarawa
21. Simione Kuruvoli
22. Seru Vularika
23. Waisea Nayacalevu
