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Tuisova and Botia back as Fiji make four changes for Australia / Photo: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU - AFP
Tuisova and Botia back as Fiji make four changes for Australia
Powerhouse centre Josua Tuisova comes back into the Fiji side to face Australia in their World Cup clash in one of four changes named by head coach Simon Raiwalui on Friday.
The Flying Fijians face a must-win game against the Wallabies in Saint Etienne on Sunday after losing their opening Pool C match to Wales 32-26 last week.
Tuisova, who had been struggling with an ankle injury, will line up at inside centre with Semi Radradra switching from there to left wing and Vinaya Habosi dropping to the replacements' bench.
"(Tuisova) getting back to full fitness obviously gives us an opportunity to see him play and have Semi (Radradra) and his qualities out wider to combat some of those aerial targets," Raiwalui told reporters at the team's base in Bordeaux.
Tuisova came on for Habosi after 53 minutes against Wales and his try seven minutes from time helped spark a fightback that almost resulted in a stunning come-from-behind victory.
Jiuta Wainiqolo takes over at right wing from Selestino Ravutaumada while Simione Kuruvoli is prefered to Frank Lomani at scrum-half.
"Frank (Lomani) came off and pulled up quite sore after the (Wales) match and we've had the philosophy right from the start that everyone is there to play," said Raiwalui.
"Simi (Kuruvoli) is a great player as well, so he gets the chance this weekend and Frank will come off the bench."
Versatile veteran Levani Botia, 34, comes in at openside flanker with Lekima Tagitagivalu switching to blindside and Albert Tuisue dropping to the bench.
Back Vilimoni Botitu makes the matchday 23 while Ravutaumada and Sireli Maqala miss out altogether from the squad that played against Wales.
Fiji finished strongly against Wales, scoring two tries in the final eight minutes and even had a chance to win the match but Radradra spilled a tricky pass in sopping wet conditions with the line beckoning.
Raiwalui said his bench would play a crucial role again against Australia.
"We expect those boys to come (on) and really accelerate the game," he said.
Team (15-1):
Ilaisa Droasese; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra; Teti Tela, Simione Kuruvoli; Viliame Mata, Levani Botia, Lekima Tagitagivalu; Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila; Luke Tagi, Samuel Matavesi, Eroni Mawi
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, Vinaya Habosi
Coach: Simon Raiwalui (FIJ)
A.Jackson--SMC
