TOP BETS FOR JAPAN MATCH
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians duo Leone Nakarawa and Levani Botia are top contenders in making the starting line-up for Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup opener against Japan at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium in the Iwate Prefecture.
This was confirmed yesterday by Flying Fijians head coach John McKee indicating that a win over Japan was crucial if they were to improve on their world rankings.
“We’ll look at how the players will train accordingly and obviously with Leone Nakarawa and Levani Botia coming back into the match this week they will be strong contenders for their positions,” McKee said. “Playing against one of the top tier 2 nations like Japan will be tough because of the quality of players they have in their squad.
“In this match the big focus for us is on the world rankings. This is important because if we win well over Japan, it will improve our rankings on the world standings.”
The Flying Fijians are ranked 9th while Japan are ranked 11th. McKee said one of the challenges was that players came from different clubs and had different styles of playing throughout their seasons, and they needed to get these players in their accurate status.
He was also impressed with the efforts of the younger players in their last match against the Maori All Blacks.
Other likely starters on Saturday are Manasa Saulo, Viliame Mata, Albert Tuisue, Frank Lomani, Ben Volavola, Patrick Osborne and Kini Murimurivalu.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach John McKee has an experienced strong side lined-up for the opening World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match against Japan this Saturday in Kamaishi, Japan.
“We know the quality of players Japan has and the importance of playing them at one of our World Cup venues; so we have to put on a good performance,” Coach McKee said. Clermont giant forward Peceli Yato also comes in after missing the last two matches.
His inclusion with others will surely give McKee a tough task in selecting the best loosemen with Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata and Nemani Nagusa all playing above par. “Leone Nakarawa and Lepani Botia are also now part of the mix and will be strong contenders for selection,” McKee added. McKee is impressed with the efforts put in by the Flying Fijians in training. “This shows their determination and passion in playing for their country,” he said. “I’m very pleased with the way the squad is working together.”
“They know that all players currently in camp will make the RWC team and are working very strongly together, which is important in our campaign.”
“PNC is very important to us as the current title holders and we want to maintain our position as the top team across the tournament. McKee said that the Japanese team will come in very strong in their attack and will be quick off the rucks in their first test match at home.
“I don’t expect them to change in the overall style of play. They will really try and play an up tempo game against us.
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians face Japan at 5.50pm (FJT) this Saturday.
The match will be broadcasted live on Fiji One at 5.15pm.