McKee names squad for final test against MABs

Fiji Rugby Head Coach John McKee has named a formidable Fiji Airways Flying Fijians side for their final Fiji Airways Pacific Series Test match against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua on Saturday.

With so much depth in the squad, McKee has made ten changes to its run on side which defeated the Maori All Blacks 27-10 at Suva’s ANZ Stadium last weekend.

McKee said they expect a different and challenging match against the Maori All Blacks.

He added “The host team will want to bounce back on their home territory and turn the tables on us.”

Veteran Prop Campese Ma’afu makes his start for this season together with Naitasiri prop Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto and Lee-Roy Atalifo in the front row.

Former Fiji Under-20 rep Tevita Ratuva will partner up with Apisalome Ratuniyarawa in the locks while Fiji Airways Drua captain Mosese Voka will be on the flanks.

Henry Seniloli starts at half-back and Alivereti Veitokani shifts to fly-half position. Jale Vatubua and Patrick Osbourne return to boost the Flying Fijians fast pace backline.

McKee said it’s important to give all the players the game time ahead of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup and the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“It was always the intention across these two matches to give players in our squad opportunity and game time in the lead up to the PNC.”

“It is important that these players grab this chance and make a strong statement,” Coach McKee said.

McKee said wintry conditions in Rotorua would mean quite a different match to the hard, fast and dry ANZ Stadium last weekend.

“We will need to be very patient with the ball to build pressure on the New Zealand Maori. Last week although we made many line breaks we turned over too much ball,” McKee revealed.

 “Ball retention and continuity to build pressure and create scoring opportunities when we are in possession along with our consistent work rate and discipline in our defensive system will be the two most important factors for us in this match,” McKee added.

Fiji Rugby Chief Executive John O’Connor said the players selected for this weekend’s match have the opportunity to stake a spot in the final 31 member squad for RWC in Japan.

“The team understands that we want to improve in every match and are targeting nothing than a win this week so we can continue to build momentum ahead of the PNC.” O’Connor added.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians face Maori All Blacks at 7.35pm (NZ Time) at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Squad:

1. Campese Ma’afu
2. Veremalua Vugakoto
3. Lee-Roy Atalifo
4. Tevita Ratuva
5. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Mosese Voka
8. Nemani Nagusa
9. Henry Seniloli
10. Alivereti Veitokani
11. Filipo Nakosi
12. Jale Vatubua
13. Waisea Nayacalevu
14. Patrick Osbourne
15. Kini Murimurivalu

Reserves

16. Samuel Matavesi

17. Joeli Veitayaki

18. Luke Tagi

19. Albert Tuisue

20. John Dyer

21. Serupepeli Vularika

22. Sevanaia Galala

23. Josh Matavesi