Fiji have replaced the suspended left wing Nemani Nadolo with Asaeli Tikoirotuma for the Rugby World Cup Pool A clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Thursday.
Nadolo was banned for one week for a dangerous tip tackle in last week’s 28-13 defeat by Australia. However, the judicial officer deemed the offence merited a low-end entry point of a two-week suspension and, taking into account Nadolo’s excellent disciplinary record, the ban was reduced to one week.
The Pacific Islanders will also have a new man on the right wing after Waisea Nayacalevu was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury. Timoci Nagusa was drafted into the squad and has gone straight into the starting side.
Elsewhere, the scrum-half Nikola Matawalu has been left out of the matchday squad after suffering bruising to his lower back. The Fijian captain Akapusi Qera will become only the third player to win 50 caps for Fiji, following Nicky Little (71) and Seremaia Bai (50).
Fiji squad to face Wales
Campese Maafu, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera (capt), Netani Talei, Nemia Kenatale, Ben Volavola, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Lepani Botia, Vereniki Goneva, Timoci Nagusa, Metuisela Talebula
Replacements Viliame Veikoso, Peni Ravia, Leeroy Atalifo, Nemia Soqeta, Malakai Ravulo, Henry Seniloli, Josh Matavesi, Kini Murimurivalu
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