Warriors team for first battle of WRPC title defence.

Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named an exciting line up to take on Tonga A in the opening round of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge at ANZ Stadium this Friday night.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijian scrum half Frank Lomani will take on the leadership reigns as Captain for the first time with the young playmaker further establishing his strength as a genuine international for Fiji.

Joining Lomani in the halves is Caleb Muntz who Seruvakula says since returning to Fiji from NZ has worked hard to fit into the squad and impressed enough to earn a debut cap for the Warriors.

“We saw Caleb last year at the Brisbane 10s and earmarked him on our identified talent list.  We’ve been monitoring his progress and since he joined us in camp he’s worked hard, made a huge effort to be part of the team and I’m happy with the way he’s slotted in to our mould” he said.

Tonga A have sent a powerful line up to greet the defending title holders and Seruvakula aware of the physical battle up front has named an experienced scrum pack to counter the threat from the Ikale Tahi side.

Flying Fijian and Fijian Drua team mates Mawi, Dolokoto and Tagi in the front row back up by Naulago, Voka and hard running John Dyer will be a solid support for exciting newcomers Saimoni Uluiunakauvadra and Ratu Meli Nabura.

The Warriors have named plenty of depth off the bench with Flying Fijian hooker Veremalua Vugakoto and Vodafone Fiji Under 20s captain Raikabula Momoedonu among the talent waiting to impact in the series opener.

The Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors meet Tonga A at 5pm, Friday 8th March at ANZ Stadium, Suva.  The opening match for the World Rugby Pacific Challenge between Junior Japan and Samoa A kicks off at 2.30pm.

Tickets are $10 for grandstand and $5 embankment with children under 12 free, available at Fiji Sports Council or the gate.

This Friday’s match will also celebrate International Women’s Day with the game day hosting a number of pioneers of Women’s rugby in Fiji as well as an all female crew of ball carriers and security staff for the fixture.

Swire Shipping Fiji Warriors v Tonga A

1. Eroni Mawi
2. Mesu Dolokoto
3. Junior Tagi
4. Ratu Meli Nabura
5. Peni Naulago
6. Mosese Voka
7. Saimoni Uluinakauvadra
8. John Dyer
9. Frank Lomani ©
10. Caleb Muntz
11. Tira Wilagi
12. Enele Malele
13. Fili Savou
14. Veramu Dikidikilati
15. Osea Waqa
16. Veremalua Vugakoto
17. Livai Natave
18. Alifereti Rabukawaqa
19. Raikabula Momoedonu
20. Alivereti Loaloa
21. Simione Kuruvoli
22. Fabiano Navabale
23. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre

Head Coach:  Senirusi Seruvakula

Assistant Coach:  Kele Leawere

Manager: Peceli Derederenelagi