Vodafone Flying Fijians Gears up for Japan

The Vodafone Flying Fijians are very focused to end their Northern Tour on a high note with their game against Japan.

The team has had a gradual progression in their last two games having played some constructive plays against England towards the end of the first half and early in the second when they scored three tries in their test match in Twickenham last week.

On his reflection of last week’s game, National Head Coach John Mckee said ”although disappointing on the score line we did some good things in the game last week against the number two team in the world. Our set play was very strong and we were good in attack. Defense was not at the level required and we made errors in exiting our defensive zone which we have worked on this week.”

The Japanese team are on a high after their grand performance against Wales last week.

The Vodafone Flying Fijians know clearly what the game against Japan means to them and the members of the public back home.

Mckee says that “for this week’s game we must work very hard in our defensive system. Japan will try to play a very quick game with a lot of quick passing to get the ball wide. We need to work very hard as a defensive line and make our one on one tackles.

“In attack we must win the gain line first before playing to width. We will look to use our big backs and ball carrying forwards to put Japan on the back foot.”

John Mckee has made a few changes to the line-up against England last week.

“Some changes to our line up give us more experience with Nikola Matawalu at half back and power running Levani Botia at midfield which we will use to work on getting a good start in the game. Too often in big games recently we have given away points early and found ourselves chasing the game. This week it is very important that we get a good start to the game.”

The Fiji Team plays Japan at Stade De la Rabine on Saturday at 3.10pm.

Vodafone Flying Fijians against Japan

Loose Head        –       Peni Ravai
Hooker       –       Sunia Koto
Tighthead  –        Manasa Saulo
Lock           –        Nemia Soqeta
Lock           –        Leone Nakarawa
Blindside    –        Dominiko Waqaniburotu
Openside   –        Peceli Yato
No. 8          –        Akapusi Qera ©
Scrum Half  –        Nikola Matawalu
Outside Half-       Ben Volavola
Wing          –        Nemani Nadolo
Centre       –        Levani Botia
Centre       –        Albert Vulivuli
Wing          –        Metuisela Talebula
Full Back     –        Kini Murimurivalu

Reserves:  Tuapati Talemaitoga, Joeli Veitayaki, Leeroy Atalifo, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Naulia Dawai, Eremasi Radrodro, Serupepeli Vularika, Waisea Nayacalevu