Fiji Airways Flying Fijians against Ireland

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John Mckee has named a strong line – up to play Ireland this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

It will be Fiji’s first visit to the Aviva Stadium and only the fourth time that the teams have met in a test match and McKee expects a very strong challenge from the hosts.

“I expect a very strong challenge on Saturday from the Irish team here in Dublin.  The Flying Fijians will need to take a step up in the level of performance displayed during the Italy match last week.”

The Akapusi Qera captained side is expected to face an uphill battle against Ireland as Fiji has never beaten the Irish since 1976.  That match recorded a close score line with Ireland winning 8-nil.   Ireland have won all three previous encounters, most recently beating the Pacific Islanders 41-6 at the RDS Stadium in 2009.

McKee has made a few changes to the side that played against Italy, which sees Qera leading the pack from the open side flanker position alongside Dominiko Waqaniburotu at blindside.

In the front row, Campese Ma’afu teams up with Manasa Saulo at props and Tuapati Talemaitoga at hooker.

Leone Nakarawa is joined with Api Ratuniyarawa at lock and Nemani Nagusa at No. 8.

Henry Seniloli starts off at half back and partners with Ben Volavola at first five eight.

Nemani Nadolo makes a return to the side and will play alongside Montpellier team mate Timoci Nagusa on the wings while Levani Botia will play at inside centre with Jale Vatubua outside him.  Kini Murimurivalu completes the run on team at full back.

The match will kick off at 5.30pm on Saturday (6.30am, Sunday, Fiji Time)

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians

Campese Maáfu, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Manasa Saulo, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera, Nemani Nagusa, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Nemani Nadolo, Levani Botia, Jale Vatubua, Timoci Nagusa, Kini Murimurivalu.

Reserves – Sunia Koto, Peni Ravai, Kalivati Tawake, Sikeli Nabou, Peceli Yato/Semi Kunatani, Nikola Matawalu, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Vereniki Goneva