Nippy halfback, Nikola Matawalu has been named in the Vodafone Flying Fijians starting line-up to take on England in the Rugby World Cup opening match this weekend.
The Bath-bound player got the nod ahead of the experienced Nemia Kenatale and will partner Ben Volavola in the halves.
Coach John McKee says he is expecting Matawalu to be a key player on the field during the encounter against the hosts.
“Through our preparation and pre-tournament games, Nikola has proved himself to be our best halfback. It is a crucial position to your team game-plan and Nikola provides good service to the backline but can also be a dangerous player if he gets an opportunity.”
Meanwhile blockbusting winger, Nemani Nadolo is tipped to be one of the stars of the tournament and says the boys cannot wait to get on the field and show the world what they are capable of.
“If we rock up and play and we have been working really hard as you’ve seen over the last few months in Fiji. The boys are really pumped to play.”
Nadolo adds although pundits are tipping Fiji to cause a stir in Group A- which is considered the ‘Pool of Death’- featuring England, Australia, Wales and Uruguay, the team is determined to play its own brand of rugby.
Fiji meets England at 7am on Saturday and you can watch it live on FBC TV.
