Fiji make six changes for quarter-final against England
Waisea Nayacalevu will captain the side at outside centre
©Photo by World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has made six changes to the starting line up for the Rugby World Cup quarter-final game against England to be played at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.
Fly half Teti Tela has been ruled out of the encounter due to an injury allowing Vilimoni Botitu to make just his third start at the number 10 jersey.
The Pacific side were already without Caleb Muntz, who was instrumental in setting up win over England at Twickenham Stadium in August as he was injured even before the showpiece event started.
Frank Lomani retains his place at scrum-half while Samuel Matavesi, who had his father passed away earlier in the week is named on the bench with Tevita Ikanivere being the preferred hooker. Gloucester’s Albert Tuisue returns to second row joining Isoa Nasilasila.
The back row sees one change with Lekima Tagitagivalu returning to blindside at the expense of Meli Derenalagi while Semi Radradra and Vinaya Habosi being the preferred wings.
Skipper Waisea Nayacalevu will be part of the midfield that also has Josua Tuisova while Ilaisa Droasese is slotted at fullback.
Team line up:
Fiji XV: 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 (captain), 14 Vinaya Habosi; 15 Ilaisa Droasese
Reserves: 16 Samuel Matavesi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Meli Derenalagi, 20 Vilive Miramira; 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Iosefo Masi, 23 Sireli Maqala
