Gareth Baber has made seven changes to the team that defeated Spain last time out for Fiji’s Autumn Nations Series clash with Wales at Principality Stadium.
Loosehead prop Peni Ravia returns to the starting XV and will join hooker Sam Matavesi and tighthead prop Mesake Doge in the front row for the trip to Cardiff.
Api Ratuniyarawa replaces Leone Nakarawa while Albert Tuisue has moved up to the flanker’s position as Viliame Mata returns to his favourite No.8 jersey.
In the backs, Frank Lomani returns at half-back relegating Nikola Matawalu to the bench and wingers Josua Tuisova and Eroni Sau earn their places in the starting line-up.
Zuriel Togiatama and Apisai Naqalevu are expected to make their debuts for the Flying Fijians off the bench, with Waisea Nayacalevu taking the captaincy role again.
Baber said: “We named the team taking into consideration a little bit of continuity from last week and a couple of changes in positions as well.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them go and we are excited about the prospects and the responsibilities ahead. With everyone injury-free, we got a big pack loaded with experience so it’s important that we utilise them correctly.”
Meanwhile, head coach Vern Cotter, who is closely monitoring Fiji and working together with Baber and his coaching staff, said their focus is to do little things right against Wales.
“We should get away with the mindset of just competing with these teams but actually playing to beat them,” said Cotter who was unable to join his team due to travel restrictions.
“We are working on the skills and on what we can do to become a more resilient opposition and learn to win. I hope we could get clarity in our set piece, get game lines off our carries and I hope defensively we defend well plus there are a lot of little things we need to do right against Wales.
“Following the All Blacks series is important because they are a good team and exposed us in certain parts of the game. We have worked on these areas.
“I think we are becoming better in our setpiece, tight plays as we avoid giving away penalties and we now learn to win games.”
Fiji: 15. Setareki Tuicuvu, 14. Josua Tuisova, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 12. Vilimoni Botitu, 11. Eroni Sau, 10. Ben Volavola, 9. Frank Lomani; 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Api Ratuniyarawa, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Albert Tuisue, 7. Mesulame Kunavula, 8. Vilimae Mata
Replacements: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Leeroy Atalifo, 19. Tevita Ratuva, 20. Masivesi Dakuwaqa, 21. Nikola Matawalu, 22. Apisai Naqalevu, 23. Aminiasi Tuimaba
Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Josh Adams, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Louis Rees-Zammit, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Kieran Hardy, 1 Rhys Carré, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Tomas Francis, 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Adam Beard, 6 Ellis Jenkins (C), 7 Thomas Young, 8 Taine Basham
Replacements: 16 Bradley Roberts, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 WillGriff John, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Seb Davies, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Nick Tompkins
