Three debutants will line up for Fiji against Georgia on Saturday as the Pacific islanders finally get to participate in the Autumn Nations Cup.
Lock Temo Mayanavanua and flankers Johnny Dyer and Mesulame Kunavula will make their debuts at Murrayfield after Fiji’s previous three games in the competition were cancelled when a large number of their squad and staff were infected with the novel coronavirus.
It is the first game for Fiji since last year’s World Cup and marks a debut for new coach Vern Cotter, who has also put six uncapped players on the bench.
After being cloistered in a motel outside of St Etienne, France for almost a month, waiting to get an all-clear to play, Cotter is concerned about Georgia dominating the forward battle.
“The forwards are the first group that I’m really concerned about because we know they will be going to drive our lineouts and dominate our scrum and attack when we have the ball so we can’t get the ball out to our exciting backline.
“We have a very established backline who have played together for many tests and I expect them to be lethal if given quality possession.
“It’s an exciting blend of experience and young players who want to establish themselves as Flying Fijians,” he said.
Team:
1. Peni Ravai
2. Samuel Matavesi
3. Mesake Doge
4. Tevita Ratuva
5. Temo Mayanavanu
6. Johnny Dyer
7. Mesulame Kunavula
8. Albert Tuisue
9. Frank Lomani
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Levani Botia
13. Semi Radradra
14. Josua Tuisova
15. Kini Murimurivalu
Replacements:
16. Tevita Ikanivere
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Samuela Tawake
19. Chris Minimbi
20. Manueli Ratuniyarawa
21. Simione Kuruvoli
22. Seru Vularika
23. Waisea Nayacalevu
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis)
