Preview: Fiji Barbarians v Fiji Warriors
Thu, 15 May 2008 13:54
Stallions' lock Rupeni Nasiga will miss the Fiji Warriors' final IRB Pacific Rugby Cup (PRC) clash against the Fiji Barbarians at Subrail Park on Saturday because of family commitments.
Nasiga, who has scored two tries in this season's PRC, will instead attend the funeral of his uncle and former Fiji skipper Ratu Meli Kurisaru who passed away at his home in Sigatoka Village after a short illness last Saturday.
Despite Nasiga's absence, Fiji Warriors coach Iliesa Tanivula is adamant his team will come away with a win, calling up one replacement to the 22-man line-up that took on the Tau'uta Reds at Lautoka's Churchill Park last weekend.
"Our campaign has not been what we had hoped," said Tanivula.
"We can't do much to change anything but I believe we can still do well in order for our players to win places in the team to the IRB Pacific Nations Cup.
"We lost when we met pre-season so we're hoping to come away with a better result in Labasa this weekend," added Tanivula.
Recalled to the 22-man squad is Highlanders prop, Jale Koroitukana, who warms the bench.
Other changes in the forwards see 2007 Rugby World Cup representatives Alefoso Yalayalatabua and Vereniki Sauturaga return to the run-on team at loosehead prop and No.2, respectively, whilst Highlanders lock Samuela Anise replaces Nasiga.
In the backline, Iliesa Keresoni returns at fullback, whilst Knights speedsters Timoci Nagusa and Malakai Bakaniceva will man the wing.
Epeli Vuicuvu starts at outside centre at the expense of Saula Radidi while Waisea Luveniyali who sat out last weekend's match has recovered to start at flyhalf.
For the Barbarians, though they beat the Warriors in the pre-season clash, coach Eddie Waqa admits it will be tough to come away with a similar feat this Saturday.
"You have to consider the fact that the Fiji Warriors will not only want to better their standing in the table but to also see more of their players make the Flying Fijians team for the Pacific Nations Cup," Waqa said.
"But that does not mean we will give in easily.
"A lot of our boys have really performed well this season despite having little experience. They have earmarked themselves as contenders for spots in the Flying Fijians team and I think they deserve a chance.
"So a win for us would go some way in improving these boys' chances of making the Pacific Nations squad," added Waqa.
Highlanders lock Mitieli Cama, who has been a revelation this season, will lead the his team in this final PRC clash. In fact Waqa has made a good number of changes, most of which are owing to injuries.
In the forwards, Setefano Somoca starts at tighthead prop, whilst Mosese Fatiaki pairs up with Cama at lock with Filipe Kuruvoli to start at blindside flank at the expense of Samu Bola.
In the backline, Waqa has opted for the younger halfback combination of Nemia Kenatale and Ravai Fatiaki to add speed in their game from kick-off with Kelemedi Bola and Amani Bosenawai relegated to the bench.
Vima Tuidraki pairs up with Apisalome Waqatabu on the wings whilst Simeli Koniferedi starts at fullback.
Teams:
Fiji Warriors: 15 Iliesa Keresoni, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Epeli Vuicuvu, 12 Vuniyani Ratu, 11 Malakai Bakaniceva, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Aporosa Vata (capt), 8 Deryck Thomas, 7 Aca Ratuva, 6 Wate Vocevoce, 5 Samuela Anise, 4 Mosese Vasuitoga, 3 Viliame Seuseu, 2 Vereniki Sauturaga, 1 Alefoso Yalayalatabua
Replacements: Viliame Veikoso, Isireli Temo, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Jale Koroitukana, Saula Radidi, Jonetani Ralulu, Patrick Osborne
Fiji Barbarians: 15 Isimeli Koniferedi, 14 Apisalome Waqatabu, 13 Ropate Ratu, 12 Tikiko Uluiviti, 11 Vima Tuidraki, 10 Ravai Fatiaki, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Aca Bibi, 7 Ameniasi Nava, 6 Filipe Kuruvoli, 5 Mosese
Fatiaki, 4 Mitieli Cama (capt), 3 Setefano Somoca. 2 Aseri Buli, 1 Sakeo Latianara
Replacements: Eseroma Cakacaka, Sikeli Gavidi, Joeli Lutumailagi, Samu Bola, Kelemedi Bola, Masi Naoma, Amani Bosenawai
Date: Saturday, May 17
Venue: Subrail Park
Kick-off: 15.00
Referee: Eva Mafi (Tonga)
Touch judges: Feao Nonu (Tonga), Vuli Masivou (Fiji)
