Fighting for team spots
FIJI Airways Flying Fijians head coach John McKee has called on his players to grab every opportunity and prove themselves as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
McKee made this statement after releasing his squad to face the New Zealand Maori All Blacks tomorrow in Roturua, New Zealand.
“It is important to give all the players the game time ahead of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup and the Rugby World Cup in Japan,” he said.
“It was always the intention across these two matches to give players in our squad opportunity and game time in the lead-up to the PNC.
“It is important that these players grab this chance and make a strong statement.”
With so much depth in the squad, McKee has made ten changes to the run on side which defeated the Maori All Blacks 27-10 at Suva’s ANZ Stadium last weekend.
He said they expected a different and challenging match against the Maori All Blacks.
“The host team will want to bounce back on their home territory and turn the tables on us.”
Veteran prop Campese Ma’afu makes his first start for this season with Naitasiri prop Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto and Lee Roy Atalifo in the front row.
Former Fiji U20 rep Tevita Ratuva will partner Apisalome Ratuniyarawa in the locks while Fiji Airways Drua captain Mosese Voka will be on the flanks.
Henry Seniloli starts at half-back and Alivereti Veitokani shifts to fly-half position. Jale Vatubua and Patrick Osbourne return to boost the Flying Fijians fast pace backline. The windy conditions in Rotorua would mean quite a different match to the hard, fast and dry ANZ Stadium last weekend.
“We will need to be very patient with the ball to build pressure on the New Zealand Maori. Last week although we made many line breaks we turned over too much ball,” McKee revealed.
“Ball retention and continuity to build pressure and create scoring opportunities when we are in possession along with our consistent work rate and discipline in our defensive system will be the two most important factors for us in this match.
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians face Maori All Blacks at 7.35pm (NZ Time) at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians:
1. Campese Ma’afu, 2. Veremalua Vugakoto, 3. Lee-Roy Atalifo, 4. Tevita Ratuva, 5. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7. Mosese Voka, 8. Nemani Nagusa, 9. Henry Seniloli, 10. Alivereti Veitokani, 11. Filipo Nakosi, 12. Jale Vatubua, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14. Patrick Osbourne,15. Kini MurimurivaluReserves, 16. Samuel Matavesi, 17. Joeli Veitayaki, 18. Luke Tagi, 19. Albert Tuisue, 20. John Dyer, 21. Serupepeli Vularika, 22. Sevanaia Galala, 23. Josh Matavesi