Fiji name first squad of Jake White era ahead of Japan Centennial Test

Jake White will oversee a fairly experienced and familiar Flying Fijians squad in his first hit-out as the team’s head coach, with just three potential debutants named in the 28-man list for the Japan Centennial Test in Tokyo.

Fiji Rugby announced on Wednesday that White had been appointed into the top job, taking over from interim coach Senirusi Seruvakaula. 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks coach will lead the side through to the next edition in Australia, which is less than one year away.

The Flying Fijians haven’t played since the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup in Japan, where they were beaten in a thrilling final by the Brave Blossoms. Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium hosted that decider, and it’ll be the venue for the next meeting between the sides as well.

Fiji take on Japan at the Tokyo venue on Saturday, October 24, before then heading up north for the final block of Nations Championship fixtures. They will face France on November 7, then Ireland and Italy over the weekends that follow.

Tevita Ikanivere leads a Flying Fijians group that includes the likes of Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce and Kitione Salawa in the forwards. Salawa scored less than 30 seconds into Fiji’s semi-final win over Canada in Osaka during the Pacific Nations Cup.

In the backs, HSBC SVNS Series Dream Team member Terio Tamani has been named as one of the options at scrum-half, along with Frank Lomani and Sam Wye. Kemu Valetini, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Kemu Valetini are the contenders to wear the No. 10 jersey.

Aporosa Vuniyayawa, Kavekini Boselawa and Nacani Boginisoko are the three uncapped players selected, but the roster is otherwise made up of players capped at Test level. Olympic silver medallist Joji Nasova also adds invaluable experience to the group.

Flying Fijians squad for Japan Centennial Test

Forwards (16)

Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Penaia Cakobau, Samu Tawake, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Apolosi Vuniyawa\* Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Isoa Tuwai

Backs (12)

Terio Tamani, Frank Lomani, Sam Wye, Kemu Valetini, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ben Volavola, Joji Nasova, Isikeli Rabitu, Maleli Nauvasi, Kavekini Boselawa\* Issac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Nacani Boginisoko*

* New cap