The Biggest Game of our Lives
A much more experienced side has been named by Vodafone Flying Fijians National Head John Mckee to face the England XV who are currently ranked second in the World Rugby Rankings table.
The boys are well aware of the team’s performance last week against the Barbarians. The environment in the team has been really positive this week with.
Head Coach John Mckee says “there has been a real focus and intensity in the trainings this week as we prepare for the England match. For the team it has been about understanding and clarity around the game plan and executing under pressure. I have seen that happening each day and that gives us the confidence we can impose them in our game on Saturday.”
Joining the team this week are Peceli Yato and Josh Matavesi which creates a competitive atmosphere with key positions.
Mckee said “This team is the best that can represent Fiji this week and we see some of our most experienced players returning for this test. This team gives us the balance of being strong on the set play at scrum and lineout as well as exiting our defensive zone as well along with having the mobility to play our attacking game.”
There has been a lot of positives from the Barbarians game last week and the boys have become tighter as a group both on and off the field.
The team knows of the immense challenge that lays ahead and it’s good to see the positive vibes in the camp.
Fiji rugby is grateful to the Rugby Football Union for the opportunity to play England and consistent matches with Tier 1 nations is beneficial for teams such as Fiji.
On the expectations for Saturday, “It doesn’t get bigger than playing England at Twickenham in 2016. It is in games like this that Fiji can really make their mark on the world stage. The team will have to be at their absolute best and very disciplined over the 80 mins for success. Teams such as England will capitalize on any mistakes and giving away penalties will give them field position and put us under pressure. The team has prepared well, the performance is in their hands, and they will go onto the field against England with Fire in their bellies and Ice on their minds.”
Vodafone Flying Fijians Team Sheet vs England
Twickenham Stadium .London 19th November 2016 |
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# | Name | Position |
1 | Campese Ma’afu | Loose Head Prop |
2 | Sunia Koto Vuli | Hooker |
3 | Manasa Saulo | Tight Head Prop |
4 | Apisalome Ratuniyarawa | Left Lock |
5 | Leone Nakarawa | Right Lock |
6 | Dominiko Waqaniburotu | Blindside Flanker |
7 | Peceli Yato | Openside Flanker |
8 | Akapusi Qera | Number Eight |
9 | Seru Vularika | Half Back |
10 | Josh Matavesi | First Five |
11 | Nemani Nadolo | Blindside Wing |
12 | Albert Vulivuli | Second Five |
13 | Asaeli Tikoirotuma | Center |
14 | Benito Masilevu | Right Wing |
15 | Metuisela Talebula | Full Back |
Reserves | ||
16 | Tuapati Talemaitoga | Hooker |
17 | Peni Ravai | Loose Head Prop |
18 | Leeroy Atalifo | Tight Head Prop |
19 | Nemia Soqeta | Lock |
20 | Naulia Dawai | Loose Forward |
21 | Eremasi Radrodro | Loose Forward |
22 | Nikola Matawalu | Half Back |
23 | Kini Murimurivalu | Utility Back |