Fiji Sun

Malele Captains Warriors Against Junior Japan

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Fijian Warriors Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named an exciting and strong squad for their opening World Rugby Pacific Challenge match against the defending champions Junior Japan tomorrow.

Seruvakula said: “The team is in high spirits as we wrapped up our preparatio­n for game one with captain run this morning. The players look determined and are focused on delivering a better result against Junior Japan.”

Prominent Fijian Warriors tighthead prop, Joseva Nasaroa will guide the front row and will combine with John Muller at Loosehead and Seremaia Komailevuk­a at hooker during scrums.

Former Fiji Airways Fijians 7s utility forward, Anasa Qaranivalu will partner at locks with Saula Qiolevu, while Fijian Drua Under-20 captain Motikai Murray and Isoa Tuwai are on the flanks. Ilikimi Torosi is at number eight.

Experience­d age-grade half-back Taitusi Lulusinu will wear the number 9 jersey while captain Enele Malele will guide the side from the fly-half position. Paula Dolokoto has been named on the left wing and Sireli Masiwini on the right.

In the midfield, we will see the combinatio­n of Fijian Drua Under-20 centers Maika Tuitubou and Tevita Sabola while Jack Volavola will control the play from fullback’s position.

Seruvakula has also put up a strong bench with the likes Patemo Nuku, Aisake Atani, Jonathan Sovasova and Ropate Rinakama who are expected to carry the momentum in the later stages of the game.

“We are ready to take on Junior Japan and I’m confident we will go out there and put up a strong feat against a team which has been dominating the World Rugby in recent years.

“We have been working hard while in Fiji and we have set ourselves a goal that we have to achieve tomorrow,” Seruvakula said. Fijian Warriors takes on Junior Japan 11.30am FJT at Apia Park in Samoa.

-FRU Media

Pacific

Fijian Warriors Squad V Junior Japan:

1. John Muller

2.Seremaia Komailevuk­a

3. Joseva Nasaroa

4. Anasa Qaranivalu

5. Saula Qiolevu

6. Isoa Tuwai

7. Motikai Murray

8. Ilikimi Torosi

9. Taitusi Lulusinu

10. Enele Malele {c}

11. Paula Dolokoto

12. Maika Tuitubou

13. Tevita Sabola

14. Sireli Masiwini

15. Jack Volavola

16. Patemo Nuku

17. Vilikesa Nairau

18. Aisake Atani

19. Emosi Natubailag­i

20. Ebenezer Tuidraki

21. Simione Bulai

22. Jonathan Sovasova

23. Ropate Rinakama

Challenge at

 ?? Photo: FRU Media ?? Fijian Warriors captain Enele Malele (bowing right) with teamamates at the Nadi Internatio­nal Airport on April 30, 2023.
Photo: FRU Media Fijian Warriors captain Enele Malele (bowing right) with teamamates at the Nadi Internatio­nal Airport on April 30, 2023.

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