Fiji have kept all but two of the starters from last weekend’s narrow loss to Australia for their test against Scotland in Suva, the country’s rugby union said on Thursday.
Sireli Maqala has been promoted from the bench to replace Iosefo Masi at centre while Mesake Doge takes over from veteran prop Peni Ravai, who picked up an elbow injury in the 21-18 loss to the Wallabies at Newcastle.
Fiji coach Mick Byrne had said this week he faced a selection dilemma with many options to choose from ahead of Saturday’s game.
“It’s a great problem to have,” he told reporters.
He said they were determined to bounce back after their loss to the Wallabies.
“We missed a couple of lineouts early; the boys took it personally and spent a good amount of time looking at that. So, we’ll work through those.”
Byrne expects a tough test against Scotland, who edged the Maori All Blacks 29-26 in New Zealand last weekend.
“They’re going to bring real physicality into our game,” he said.
Team: 15-Salesi Rayasi, 14-Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13-Sireli Maqala, 12-Josua Tuisova, 11-Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10-Caleb Muntz, 9-Simione Kuruvoli, 8-Bill Mata, 7-Elia Canakaivata, 6-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 3-Mesake Doge, 2-Tevita Ikanivere (capt), 1-Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16-Sam Matavesi, 17-Haereiti Hetet, 18-Samuela Tawake, 19-Mesake Vocevoce, 20-Albert Tuisue, 21-Sam Wye, 22-Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23-Vilimoni Botitu.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
