Raiwalui rings changes

FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui has made several changes to his starting XV to face Australia in St Etienne tomorrow.

Levani Botia will start at openside flanker in place of Lemika Tagitagivalu, who moves to the blindside, forcing Albert Tuisue to the bench.

There is a swap at halfback with Simi Kuruvoli starting in place of Frank Lomani. At inside centre is Josua Tuisova, pushing Semi Radradra to the left wing in place of Vinaya Habosi, who will start off the bench.

On the right wing, Selestino sits out this match and has Jiuta Wainiqolo in his place.

Vilimoni Botitu will start off the bench for his debut Rugby World Cup match. Raiwalui said some of the changes were made to help counter Australia’s threat outwide despite the poor run in form kneading up to the RWC.

“(Australia) have been playing very well, they’ve got a young, dynamic team, very aggressive on the gain-line with their carries, their cleans, a lot of strike weapons across the field, so we don’t take much from what their (warm-up) results are,” Raiwalui said.

“I think Eddie will have them firing for the match and we’re looking forward to a great occasion, two teams who like to play rugby, play with ball carriers and strike weapons so it should be a good match.”

The match kicks off at 3.45am tomorrow.

❏ Fiji: 1-Eroni Mawi, 2-Sam Matavesi, 3-Luke Tagi, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 5-Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 6-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7-Levani Botia, 8-Viliame Mata, 9- Simi Kuruvoli, 10-Teti Tela, 11-Semi Radradra, 12-Josua Tuisova, 13-Wise Nayacalevu, 14-Timoci Wainiqolo, 15-Ilaisa Drosese. ❏ Reserves: 16-Tevita Ikanivere, 17-Peni Ravai, 18-Mesake Doge, 19-Temo Mayanavanua, 20-Albert Tuisue, 21-Frank Lomani, 22-Vilimoni Botitu, 23-Vinaya Habosi