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New skipper as Fiji name team for All Blacks second Test

(Photo by David Ramos/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Lock Leone Nakarawa has taken over the captaincy of the Flying Fijians against the All Blacks on Saturday in Hamilton after powerful centre Levani Botia was ruled out by a knee injury.

Riko Buliruarua, who plays for Brive in France, replaces Botia and will partner Waisea Nayacalegu in the centre while there is also a recall for experience back rower forward Peceli Yato, relegating London Irish No8 Albert Tuisue to the bench in the only change in the pack made by head coach Vern Cotter following the first test loss.

Cotter said “Earlier in the week we knew we had a doubt with Levani Botia and we spoke to Leone. He has already been looking after the line-outs and now he takes on a wider leadership role of the whole team but he does that naturally with his excellent leadership skills.

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“Albert sustained a minor injury so did not train fully until today. Peceli has been given the notch and I know he is a good player. I know that Albert will give us something off the bench because we didn’t get as much as we wanted off the bench in the last match.”

Crucially, Frank Lomani will start at half-back while Setareki Tuicuvu is on the right-wing replacing Eroni Sau. “Lomani coming in brings his experience, it looks like we are playing in wet conditions so his experience in terms of when to go forward, stop, kick and control the play will be very important” said Cotter.

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      “Tuicuvu is very powerful, we know he’s strong, very quick and he also plays fullback so if there is a bit more kicking in the game, since it will be wet, he has the experience to take the ball if All Blacks start kicking down the line. I feel it’s the strength we need for this game.”

      Queensland Reds half-back Moses Sorovi and Teti Tela are likely to earn their test debut off the bench with Cotter adding: “Sorovi is a great player, he is very quick around the rucks and we like what he offers there. Eroni Mawi and Mesu Dolokoto will offer some density to the forward pack and then Manasa Mataele can cover three positions center, wing and full back.”

      “We are very unhappy that we got 57 points scored against us.We felt that we scored three tries and normally when we score three tries against any opposition, it should be close to winning. It’s because we allowed those soft tries, we had a good look at how we can defend.

      “All Blacks have a more powerful pack for this weekend and they will apply pressure so it’s up to us to get our heads up and make sure that we defend our line with courage and passion.”

      Flying Fijians Squad V All Blacks
      1. Peni Ravai
      2. Sam Matavesi
      3. Mesake Doge
      4. Temo Mayanavanua
      5. Leone Nakarawa {c}
      6. Johnny Dyer
      7. Mesulame Kunavula
      8. Peceli Yato
      9. Frank Lomani
      10. Ben Volavola
      11. Nemani Nadolo
      12. Eneriko Buliruarua
      13. Waisea Nayacalevu
      14 Setareki Tuicuvu
      15. Kini Murimurivalu

      REPLACEMENTS
      Mesulame Dolokoto, Eroni Mawi, Leeroy Atalifo, Albert Tuisue, Kitione Kamikamica, Moses Sorovi, Teti Tela, Manasa Mataele

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      RedWarrior 4 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!!!!

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