Fijian ambush awaits Maori
Fijian coach John McKee named, what he termed, a very powerful team to take on New Zealand's Maori team in Suva on Saturday.
"As we enter the next phase of our World Cup preparation and match-week for the Maori All Blacks, I am very pleased with the quality of the squad," McKee said.
He also said competition for spots in this year's Pacific Nations Cup squad will be intense as seen by the depth in strength by position across the squad.
New players to the squad are Ben Volavola (Waratahs), Waisea Nayacalevu, (Paris), Napolioni Nalaga and Peceli Yato (Clermont).
The team was also joined by Frans Ludeke, the Bulls' two-time Super Rugby-winning coach, who will specialise line-outs and restarts – as an assistant coach to McKee.
"He has immediately got down to work, studying the form of our players and looking at out line-out strategy," McKee added.
McKee said the Maori All Blacks provides an ideal start to Fiji's World Cup Campaign.
"I expect an open and fast moving game, with both teams prepared to play a running game."
McKee said the Maori All Blacks will provide a very stern test for their set pieces – in the scrums and line-outs.
"We will be doing plenty of work in these areas in training this week," he said.
They face the Maori All Blacks on Saturday, July 11, in Suva and then face Tonga the week after in their first Pacific Nations Cup match in Suva.
The Fijians then travel to the United States and play Samoa on Friday, July 24, before they travel onto Canada where they play Japan on Wednesday, July 29.
Fijian: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Benito Masilevu, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Gabby Lovobalavu, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Josh Matavesi
9 Nemia Kenatali, 8 Akapusi Qera (captain), 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Api Ratuniyarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Talemaitoga Tuapati, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Sakiusa Matadigo, 21 Niko Matawalu, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Napoloni Nalaga.
Date: Saturday, July 11
Venue: National Stadium, Suva
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 NZ time; 03.00 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
