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Fiji ready for another England scalp as team is named for knockouts
Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has named his 23-man match-day squad to play England in their Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final in Marseille on Sunday.
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Following a disappointing 24-23 defeat to Portugal in the final pool match of the tournament, Fiji now face an England side in a quarter-final, having beaten them at Twickenham just a few months back.
The team features 10 players who started for Fiji in that famous victory, including five in the back-line with only Caleb Muntz and Selesitino Ravutaumada missing from this team.
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Fiji’s three try-scorers in that first win for Fiji over England have been named in the match-day 23 – Vinaya Habosi, Simione Kuruvoli and captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
FIJI TEAM TO FACE ENGLAND IN THE QUARTER FINAL
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Tevita Ikanivere
3 Luke Tagi
4 Isoa Nasilasila
5 Albert Tuisue
6 Lekima Tagitagivalu
7 Levani Botia
8 Viliame Mata
9 Frank Lomani
10 Vilimoni Botitu
11 Semi Radradra
12 Josua Tuisova
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
14 Vinaya Habosi
15 Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements:
16 Samuel Matavesi
17 Peni Ravai
18 Mesake Doge
19 Meli Derenalagi
20 Vilive Miramira
21 Simione Kuruvoli
22 Iosefo Masi
23 Sireli Maqala
Hooker Tevita Ikanivere earns his first Rugby World Cup start after playing Fiji’s first four pool games off the bench. In his 12th test since making his debut in July last year, this will be only his fourth start – all three of his tries have come when he has worn the number two jersey.
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Semi Radradra returns to the left wing, with Vinaya Habosi switching to the right. He is still chasing his first try of RWC 2023 after scoring two in 2019. Four of his six career tries have come when he has started in the midfield. Radradra announced this year he would be moving to Lyon after three years with the Bristol Bears.
If used off the bench Peni Ravai will join Akapusi Qera, Campese Ma’afu and Leone Nakarawa as the second-most capped Fijian at the Rugby World Cup with 12 appearances. Only Nicky Little has played more games with 14 between 1999 and 2011.
Smith given the start in quarter-final clash against Fiji 🔥 #RWC2023 #ENGvFIJ #rugby pic.twitter.com/HKRiqCJCnQ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 13, 2023
