Rugby

McKee names Fiji team for Rugby World Cup

August 16, 2019 4:50 pm

Flying Fijians captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu with coach John McKee

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach John McKee has today named his final World Cup squad, with all his regulars getting the nod for the Japan tournament.

He has named 32 players instead of the required 31, with one player to miss out in the final World Cup team.

There are 17 survivors from the 2015 edition of the World Cup.

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Five local players from the Fijian Drua, have been named.

This includes Eroni Mawi, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Mesulame Dolokoto, Mosese Voka and star halfback, Frank Lomani.

McKee has gone with players who offer the option of being able to play in more than one position, with the backline packed with star power.

Sam and Josh Matavesi along with Josua Tuisova and Filipe Nakosi, become the latest set of brothers to be named in the World Cup squad, following the likes of former reps, Mosese and Jacob Rauluni.

Evergreen Vereniki Goneva, fullback Kini Murimurivalu, Campese Ma’afu, Leone Nakarawa and skipper, Dominiko Waqaniburotu have been named for their third World Cup.

Some players that have missed out include, Albert Tuisue, Luke Tagi, Joeli Veitayaki, John Dyer, Nemani Nagusa, Sevanaia Galala, Eroni Sau, Patrick Osborne and Setareki Tuicuvu.

 McKee says the squad has an opportunity to do something special for Fiji and is challenging the players to step up their intensity and commitment to make a real impact in Japan.

Fiji opens its World Cup campaign against Australia on September at 4.45pm on September 21.

Forwards:
Loose-Head Props
Campese Ma’afu
Eroni Mawi
Peni Ravai

Hookers
Mesulame Dolokoto
Samuel Matavesi
Ratu Vere Vugakoto

Tight-Head Props
Lee-Roy Atalifo
Manasa Saulo
Kalivati Tawake

Locks
Tevita Cavubati
Leone Nakarawa
Api Ratuniyarawa
Tevita Ratuva

Loose Forwards
Semi Kunatani
Viliame Mata
Mosese Voka
Dominiko Waqaniburotu
Peceli Yato

Backs:
Halfbacks
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu
Henry Seniloli

Inside Backs
Levani Botia
Jale Vatubua
Ben Volavola

Outside Backs
Vereniki Goneva
Filipo Nakosi
Waisea Nayacalevu
Semi Radradra
Josua Tuisova

Utility Backs
Joshua Matavesi
Alivereti Veitokani

Fullback
Kini Murimurivalu