Rugby

Eight changes for Flying Fijians

November 11, 2022 12:50 pm

[Source: Fiji Rugby / Facebook]

The Flying Fijians Head Coach Vern Cotter has made eight changes for the second Northern Tour Test against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.

There’s also a few positional adjustments with Adrea Cocagi expected to make his debut off the bench.

Cotter says he wants to give everybody a try during these three Test matches.
He adds there’s an opportunity for everybody to play and grow.

“All the press here in Ireland are talking, their national team up the win against South Africa has given them an enormous amount of confidence and they’re barely looking at us because they have Australia the week after, for them, it’s just a training session for us it’s a game we can learn so we gonna use this opportunity to get better.”

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The front row of Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi and Manasa Saulo has been retained.

Isoa Nasilasila starts at lock ahead of Temo Mayanavanua and will partner Ratu Leone Rotuisolia.

Cotter is sticking with the same loose forwards trio Albert Tuisue, Levani Botia and Viliame Mata.

Teti Tela comes in for Vilimoni Botitu at fly-half with Frank Lomani at halfback.

The midfield pair of Kalaveti Ravouvou and captain Waisea Nayacalevu gets to start again.

There’s some changes to the back three as Jiuta Wainiqolo comes in on the right wing moving Setareki Tuicuvu to fullback and Vinaya Habosi retains the number 11 jumper.

Johnny Dyer, Ben Volavola, Simione Kuruvoli, Lee-Roy Atalifo and Apisalome Ratuniyarawa will also get their chance to play after being named on the bench.

The Flying Fijians take on Ireland at 1am on Sunday


[Source: Fiji Rugby / Facebook]