Combinations settled for assault on France

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee believes his team are more than capable of taking victory in this Sunday’s third and final test of the November International Series.

McKee has opted for stability in his line up with only slight adjustments to the team that played Scotland a fortnight ago and he knows his side will face a tough encounter against the French, who they haven’t played since 2014.

“With many players performing well last week against Uruguay, there were some hard questions posed around selection this week, and the team to run on the field is the team we believe will beat France” he said.

“They will go into the last game of the November Test series with some confidence from their win against Argentina. We know that once again we must be on top of our game in our team defence and to counter their maul.”

Fiji were uncompromising against Uruguay in England last Sunday morning and the Head Coach is looking for his side to bring that intensity again to the contest at Stade de France.

“The team has trained well this week and are very much looking forward to the contest at Stade de France in Paris. Our players are very aware of the strengths & weakness of the French players as they play against them in the France Top 14 & European Cup matches.”

“Against Uruguay we kept our standards up right through the game, not only in attack but worked hard in defence and having another week of preparation and game behind us holds us in good stead for the final test in the series this weekend.”

With such a short window in the series to establish combinations, blood talent and deliver results the Flying Fijians need to learn from mistakes and step up if they wish to be a serious contender against the Tier 1 nations.

“Discipline and high work rate will be vitally important this week. Penalties conceded can give the opposition opportunity to put us under pressure and we must be mentally ready for the intensity levels of a Tier 1 Test match.”

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians play France at Stade de France in Paris this Sunday morning at 9.05am FJT.

Fiji Airways Fllying Fijians v France
Sunday 25th Novmeber, 9.05am FJT
Stade de France, Paris

1. Campese Maafu
2. Sam Matavesi
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Tevita Cavubati
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu (C)
7. Peceli Yato
8. Viliame Mata
9. Frank Lomani
10. Ben Volavola
11. Vereniki Goneva
12. Jale Vatabua
13. Semi Radradra
14. Josua Tuisova
15. Metuisela TalebulaRESERVES
16. Mesulame Dolokoto
17. Eroni Mawi
18. Kalivati Tawake
19. Albert Tuisue
20. Semi Kunatani
21. Henry Seniloli
22. Alivereti Veitokani
23. Eroni Sau