Fiji bracket Naqelevuki, Ratuvou
Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:26
Fijian head coach Ilivasi Tabua has made several changes, the majority injury-enforced, ahead of the third round of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Pacific Nations Cup match against Australia A at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday.
The most notable changes in the starting XV see Stallion's loose forward Sailosi Rabonaqica replace Aca Ratuva at flank, Mosese Rauluni retain the skipper's berth, and the impressive midfield combination of Kameli Ratuvou and Sireli Naqelevuki replaced with Marika Vakacegu and Vereniki Goneva at inside centre and outside centre respectively.
Ratuvou and Naqelevuki have been bracketed on the bench, with Jonetani Ralulu and Saula Radidi respectively for Sunday's clash.
The two impressive and experienced centres will undergo another fitness test during the captain's run on Saturday to determine their fate.
"We have a few medical decisions to make after the captain's run," Tabua said.
"I'd like to give both Kameli and Sireli an opportunity to pass the fitness test before we can finalise changes."
In the other change in the forwards, Graham Dewes replaces Alefoso Yalayalatabua.
On the bench, Tiko Matawalu comes in for Viliame Seuseu, Wame Lewaravu replaces Rabonaqica and Aporosa Vata comes in at the expense of Nemia Kenatale.
Fiji: 15 Taniela Rawaqa, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Marika Vakacegu, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Mosese Rauluni (captain), 8 Netani Talei, 7 Sailosi Rabonaqica, 6 Semisi Naevo, 5 Kele Leawere, 4 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 3 Jone Railomo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Graham Dewes.
Replacements: Vereniki Sauturaga, Tiko Matawalu, Wame Lewaravu, Deryck Thomas, Aporosa Vata, Kameli Ratuvou/Jonetani Ralulu, Sireli Naqelevuki/Saula Radidi.
Date: Sunday, June 29
Venue: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off:
16.10 (06.10 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan White (New Zealand)
