MORE CHANGES

We will have to work very hard in our defensive system and dominate the physical collisions, says John McKee.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach John McKee has made more changes as they turn their attention to the Pacific Nations

Cupo title defence. Heading to Japan, McKee has named a strong 27-member squad. Included are nine players who missed the final Fiji Airways Pacific Series test match against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua, New Zealand, on Saturday.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad FORWARDS:

1. Lee-Roy Atalifo, 2. Campese Ma’afu, 3. Eroni Mawi, 4. Peni Ravai, 5. Manasa Saulo, 6. Kalivati Tawake, 7. Mesulame Dolokoto,

8. Ratu Vere Vugakoto, 9. Sam Matavesi, 10. Leone Nakarawa, 11. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 12. Albert Tuisue, 13. Semi Kunatani, 14. Viliame Mata, 15. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 16. Peceli Yato.

BACKS:

17. Frank Lomani, 18. Henry Seniloli, 19. Alivereti Veitokani, 20. Ben Volavola, 21. Levani Botia, 22. Waisea Nayacalevu, 23. Jale Vatubua, 24. Filipo Nakosi, 25. Patrick Osborne, 26. Josh Matavesi, 27. Kini Murimurivalu.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians head coach, John McKee, has named a powerful 27-member travelling squad for the opening match of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup against Japan on July 27 in Kamaishi. Included are the nine players who missed the final Fiji Airways Pacific Series Test match against the Maori All Blacks on Saturday in Rotorua, New Zealand.

They are Eroni Mawi, Manasa Saulo, Mesulame Dolokoto, Leone Nakarawa, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Peceli Yato, Ben Volavola and Levani Botia. The nine players left for Japan yesterday. “We are taking a very strong squad to Japan and the players who remained in Fiji last week underwent specific physical conditioning. So I expect them to be fitter and fresh this week,” McKee said.

“The players have left behind the 26-17 loss to the Maori All Blacks and have turned their focus on defending the PNC title.

“We expect Japan to play a very up tempo game. Once again we will have to work very hard in our defensive system and look to domi

nate the physical collisions.” McKee highlighted that the last two matches against the Maori All Blacks were quite positive for the team.

“There have been some good learnings against the Maori All Blacks and players have benefited from the physical matches over the past two weeks,” he said.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians take on Japan at 5.50pm (Fiji time) at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Next focus, Japan

Playing Japan on their home turf will be an uphill battle, says Fiji Airways Flying Fijians hooker Mesulame Dolokoto.

“We have a lot to learn along the way and we will try to get it right against Japan,” he said.

“I expect them to play a fast-paced game so we will need to match them.”

Dolokoto played for the Fiji Warriors against Japan in 2018 and this year.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad members (from left) Eroni Mawi, Viliame Mata, Mesulame Dolokoto and Manasa Saulo at the Nadi International Airport on July 21, 2019. They left for Japan yesterday to join the rest of the Flying Fijians squad.

Photo: Bruce Southwick/ZoomFiji Fiji Airways Flying Fijians hooker Veremalua Vugakoto gets caught against a tight Maori All Blacks defence on July 20, 2019, at the Rotorua International Stadium, New Zealand. In support play are Captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Lee-Roy Atalifo. Fiji lost 17-26.