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Fiji overhaul team for Samoa clash in Pacific Nations Cup title race

Fijian players sing national anthem during the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match between Tonga and Fiji at the HFC Bank stadium on July 2, 2022. (Photo by Leon LORD / AFP) (Photo by LEON LORD/AFP via Getty Images)

Eyeing their sixth Pacific Nations Cup title, Fiji have overhauled their lineup for the tournament finale against Samoa this weekend.

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Depending on whether Tonga can upset Australia A in the match beforehand, Fiji’s hopes of winning yet another Pacific Nations Cup will go on the line against Samoa, who sit in pole position heading into the final round of the tournament.

Five competition points astray from their Pacific Island neighbours, all the pressure is on the third-placed Fijians to score a bonus point win over Samoa, which – provided Tonga beat Australia A – would assure them of the Pacific Nations Cup title.

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      Why Sam Cane is No 7 and captain for the All Blacks

      With that in mind, Fiji head coach Vern Cotter has made a total of eight changes and a few positional shifts to his starting lineup for the Samoa clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.

      Gone from the run-on team are headline figures Seta Tamanivalu and Josua Tuisova, both of whom have been benched after starting in last week’s shock defeat to Australia A.

      Instead, Cotter has named captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Jiuta Wainiqolo to start at centre and right wing, respectively, after the pair started in Fiji’s 36-0 whitewash of Tonga in Suva a fortnight ago.

      Nayacalevu and Wainiqolo are two of five new faces in the backline, as are first-five Ben Volavola, second-five Vilimoni Botitu and fullback Seta Tuicuvu, who all replace Teti Tela, Levani Botia and Manasa Mataele, respectively.

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      A reshuffle up front sees utility forward Isoa Nasilasila move from lock to blindside flanker at the expense of injured loose forward Mesu Kunavula, paving the way for lock Tevita Ratuva to come into the second row.

      Loosehead prop Eroni Mawi, meanwhile, replaces the benched Haereiti Hetet, who joins Tamanivalu and Tuisova as three of five newbies in the reserves, with the others being hooker Tevita Ikanavere and prop Luke Tagi.

      “We have had a couple of injuries in the team after two games therefore it gives an opportunity to other players to step up, take the responsibility and face the challenge,” Cotter said as he called for improvements from his side after last week’s loss.

      “It’s better to use last week’s game to learn and rectify mistakes. There are some key areas that this team had identified but didn’t live up to the expectations last week so we need to step up this week.

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      “The other thing we working is on our organisation, especially on our character and how we express ourselves on the paddock this weekend. We would like to see a big improvement in the way we play on the field.

      “We need to be better in every aspect of ruck time, aggressive in our carry and not to lose positions.

      “Let’s build on the things which we did well against Tonga so probably I think the main message is enough talk and let’s get on with it. We all know that we weren’t good enough last week so let’s get better this week.”

      Kick-off for Fiji’s clash against Samoa is scheduled for 3pm local time.

      Fiji team to play Samoa

      1. Eroni Mawi
      2. Sam Matavesi
      3. Manasa Saulo
      4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
      5. Tevita Ratuva
      6. Isoa Nasilsila
      7. Rusiate Nasove
      8. Albert Tuisue
      9. Frank Lomani
      10. Ben Volavola
      11. Vinaya Habosi
      12. Vilimoni Botitu
      13. Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
      14. Jiuta Wainiqolo
      15. Seta Tuicuvu

      Reserves

      16. Tevita Ikanivere
      17. Haereiti Hetet
      18. Luke Tagi
      19. Temo Mayanavanua
      20. Kitione Kamikamica
      21. Peni Matawalu
      22. Seta Tamanivalu
      23. Josua Tuisova

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      R
      RedWarrior 2 hours ago
      The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

      So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

      Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

      Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

      1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

      2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

      3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

      4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


      One last thing missing from English analysis

      How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


      Food for thought old boy!!!!

      30 Go to comments
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