Leawere names powerful squad for final WRPC clash

Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors Head Coach Kele Leawere has named a powerful 23-member match day squad for the final clash of the World Rugby Challenge against Japan at ANZ Stadium in Suva tomorrow.

Leawere said “It was tough selecting our match day squad as all players have put in equal effort during training.”

The Fijian Warriors squad carries a special bond as majority of the players named have been playing together since Junior World Championship in Italy last year.

“We have a great understanding between the players and they have been working as group since last year” said Leawere.

Loosehead Prop Meli Tuni comes back in the starting line-up and will partner with rock soil hooker Lino Vasuinadi and Tighthead Prop Joseva Nasaroa.

Leawere has shuffled his forward pack, moving Vilive Miramira to blindside flanker and bringing in young Kitione Salawa at openside.

The halves combination of skipper Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Simione Kuruvoli continues, while Filimoni Savou is back at inside center and partners up with Epeli Momo for the first time.

Marika Vularewa maintains his place in the team but will be at right wing while Jiuta Wainiqolo comes in on the left. Osea Waqa will be at fullback.

Hooker Immanuel Naciva and utility back Jonetani Vasurakauta, including 17-year-old Janerio Wakeham will provide depth on the bench for the young Fijian Warriors side.

Leawere said “We know there is a lot of expectations on us and we will try and play to our level best against an impressive Japanese side.”

He added the players need to be very smart in making decisions on the field as Japan will come with their best game plan.

“We should avoid unnecessary kicking, retain & and play to our level best” he said.

The Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors face Junior Japan at 3.30pm tomorrow. In a match earlier Samoa A meets Tonga A at 1pm and in the final game of the day Fijian Latui opens its Global Rapid Rugby season one campaign against China Lions at 6.15pm. All games will be played at ANZ Stadium in Suva.

Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors squad VS Junior Japan

1. Meli Tuni
2. Lino Vasuinadi
3. Joseva Nasaroa
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Chris Minimbi
6. Vilive Miramira
7. Kitione Salawa
8. Josateki Tuituba
9. Simione Kuruvoli
10. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (c)
11. Marika Vularewa
12. Filimoni Savou
13. Epeli Momo
14. Jiuta Wainiqolo
15. Osea Waqa

Reserves

16. Jone Naqiri
17. Immanuel Naciva
18. Temesia Murivalu
19. Seeto Yabaki
20. Janerio Wakeham
21. Eparama Sailo
22. Taitusi Lulusini
23. Jonetani Vasurakauta