Rugby

Fiji team named for Uruguay clash

September 23, 2019 4:40 pm

The Flying Fijians to face Uruguay [Source: World Rugby]

Flying Fijians coach John McKee has made 12 changes to his run-on team to face Uruguay in the Rugby World Cup on Wednesday.

Following the 39-21 loss to Australia and the short turn-around between the first two games, McKee has resorted to fresh legs for the crucial encounter.

An entire new front row will start the match, with Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokotro and Manasa Saulo named.

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The second row sees starts for Tevita Ratuva and Api Ratuniyarawa.

Skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu retains his place at flanker and will be backed by Mosese Voka and Leone Nakarawa in the backrow.

In the backline, Henry Seniloli takes over from Frank Lomani, and is joined by Josh Matavesi, Vereniki Goneva, Jale Vatubua, Filipo Nakosi and Alivereti Veitokani.

Semi Radradra is the only survivor from the Australia match remaining in the backs.

McKee has also named an interesting bench, with Sam Matavesi named as a replacement loose forward instead of his regular position of hooker.

Prop Leeroy Atalifo is the only newcomer on the bench.

The Flying Fijians team to face Uruguay: 

1. Eroni Mawi
2. Mesulame Dolokoto
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Tevita Ratuva
5. Api Ratuniyarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu (capt.)
7. Mosese Voka
8. Leone Nakarawa
9. Henry Seniloli
10. Josh Matavesi
11. Vereniki Goneva
12. Jale Vatubua
13. Semi Radradra
14. Filipo Nakosi
15. Alivereti Veitokani

16. Tuvere Vugakoto
17. Campese Ma’afu
18. Lee-Roy Atalifo
19. Tevita Cavubati
20. Samuel Matavesi
21. Nikola Matawalu
22. Ben Volavola
23. Levani Botia

Meanwhile, Uruguay coach Esteban Meneses has named his team for the Pool D match against Fiji.

Uruguay team to face Fiji:

1. Mateo Sanguinetti
2. German Kessler
3. Diego Arbelo
4. Ignacio Dotti
5. Manuel Leindekar
6. Juan Manuel Gaminara (capt.)
7. Santiago Civetta
8. Manuel Diana
9. Santiago Arata
10. Felipe Berchesi
11. Rodrigo Silva
12. Andres Vilaseca
13. Juan Manuel Cat
14. Nicolas Freitas
15. Gaston Mieres

16. Guillermo Pujadas
17. Facundo Gattas
18. Juan Pedro Rombys
19. Franco Lamanna
20. Juan Diego Ormaechea
21. Agustin Ormaechea
22. Felipe Etcheverry
23. Tomas Inciarte