Ten new Islanders to face French
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:20
The Pacific Islanders team showed 10 changes from the side that lost to England last weekend, for Saturday's game against France in Sochaux.
A notable inclusion is Fiji's Napoleoni Nalaga, the Clermont wing who was the top try scorer in the Top 14 last season with 18.
Nalaga missed the Islanders' 13-39 loss to England at Twickenham and was called up on Monday to replace compatriot Sireli Bobo.
Among six changes up front, there is an all-new front row of Tongan Kisi Pulu, Samoan duo Tani Fuga and Kas Lealamanua, while Fiji scrumhalf Mosese Rauluni retains the skipper's armband.
The team boasts seven Fijians, five Tongans and three Samoans.
The Pacific Islanders team, which has lost all seven Tests it has played since its creation in 2004, has never played France.
It will round off its European tour with a game against Italy on November 22.
Pacific Islanders: 15 Gavin Williams (Samoa), 14
Napoleoni Nalaga (Fiji), 13 Seru Rabeni (Fiji), 12 Epeli Taione (Tonga), 11 Vilimoni Delasau (Fiji), 10 Seremaia Bai (Fiji), 9 Mosese Rauluni (FIJ, captain), 8 Sisa Koyamaibole (Fiji), 7 Nili Latu (Tonga), 6 Hale T-Pole (Tonga), 5 Kele Leawere (Fiji), 4 Paino Hehea (Tonga), 3 Kisi Pulu (Tonga), 2 Tani Fuga (Samoa), 1 Kas Lealamanua (Samoa).
Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto (Fiji), 17 Census Johnston (Samoa), 18 Filipo Levi (Samoa), 19 Viliami Vaki (Tonga), 20 Sililo Martens (Tonga), 21 Kameli Ratuvou (Fiji), 22 Seilala Mapusua (Samoa).
Date: Saturday, November 15
Venue: Stade Auguste Bonal, Sochaux
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Ireland)
Touch judges: Wayne Barnes (England), Carlo Damasco (Italy)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
