Electric backline ready to fly.
An electric back line including the much anticipated debut of Toulon star Semi Radradra will take the field for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians against Georgia at ANZ Stadium this Saturday.
Following a fiercely competitive week on the training pitch, Radradra has earned his first start for Fiji alongside fellow European based stars Nemani Nadolo, Vereniki Goneva, Jale Vatubua and Kini Murimurivalu.
Head Coach John McKee will be looking for his experienced strike force to settle into their rhythms quickly and make an impact against Georgia.
“The inclusion of Nemani Nadolo and Jim Nagusa (off the bench) adds experience and fire power to the squad” he said.
“It’s exciting for Semi Radradra to finally make his debut for the Flying Fijians”
Radradra’s recent form in London during Fiji Airways Men’s Sevens series victory showed just what kind of impact the sizzling winger can have with the ball in hand.
“Semi’s been in outstanding form for his club (Toulon) across the Northern season and against England for the Barbarians”
“We’ll be looking for him to inject the skill and speed he brings into the game on Saturday”.
Whilst the visitor’s defense will have their work cut out against the Fijian backs, it’s the home side’s forward pack who will have the bigger challenge against a monster Georgian scrum.
“Our forward pack know the huge task ahead of them this weekend”
“Georgia will be very physical, we have to match that physicality and impose our game onto them”
Led by the experience and X-Factor of Leone Nakarawa and Captain Akapusi Qera, the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians are determined to put out a disciplined and controlled performance on Saturday.
“Discipline will be crucial for this game, conceding unnecessary penalties against Georgia will allow them to put us under pressure”
“One yellow card will be one yellow card to many in my view”
Keeping the Fiji forward pack at full strength for the 80 minutes will allow the Fiji game plan to flourish.
“We will be looking for our forwards to match the challenge of Georgia and lead the way to create opportunities for the backs”
Fiji will be looking to turn the tables on the 2016 result, and it’s sure to be an arm wrestle to the final whistle.
Should the Fijian’s take the win on Saturday, they are likely to retain their fourth straight Pacific Nations Cup title.
“We have quite contrasting styles of play, so the successful team will be the team who can impose their style across the full 80 minutes”.
“We’ve had a noticeable lift of intensity at training this week and with more time together, the boys have reached another level of quality in our role clarity and combinations”.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Team v Georgia Lelos
Saturday 16th June, 2018 – 3.30pm
ANZ Stadium, Suva
- Campese Ma’afu
- Ratu Vere Vugakoto
- Manasa Saulo
- Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
- Leone Nakarawa
- Dominiko Waqaniburotu
- Akapusi Qera (C)
- Viliame Mata
- Henry Seniloli
- Ben Volavola
- Nemani Nadolo
- Jale Vatubua
- Semi Radradra
- Vereniki Goneva
- Kini Murimurivalu
Reserves:
16. Ratunaisa Navuma
17. Eroni Mawi
18. Kalivati Tawake
19. Sikeli Nabou
20. Nemani Nagusa
21. Frank Lomani
22. Alivereti Veitokani
23. Timoci Nagusa