John McKee has named his 31-man squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in England, with Akapusi Qera captaining a group that does not contain Napolioni Nalaga who has failed to recover from injury in time.
The loss of Nalaga is a blow, but the Fijians have never been short of quality outside backs and can still call on the likes of Vereniki Goneva, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Metuisela Talebula and the rampaging Nemani Nadolo, who returns to the squad after being rested for the Pacific Nations Cup.
Fiji won that tournament and will carry plenty of confidence into their opening World Cup encounters with England and Australia. They also face Wales and Uruguay in Pool A, and could well have a decisive say on who emerges from the designated ‘Pool of Death’.
“I am very pleased to announce a very strong and experienced team to represent Fiji at RWC2015,” McKee said. “After the successful Pacific Nations Cup campaign and current training camp here in Fiji the squad is working well towards the challenges ahead in the UK at RWC2015.
“Pool A is a very challenging pool and I have every confidence that this team will rise to the challenge and bring their best game to every match at the World Cup. Challenges such as those ahead of us bring out the best in top competitors and top teams, “McKee added.
“With this talented group of rugby players, fiercely proud of representing their country, I believe we have a team of players who will bring their best game to the biggest contest in international rugby,” McKee concluded.
Fiji squad for Rugby World Cup 2015:
PROPS
1. Lee Roy Atalifo
2. Isei Colati
3. Campese Ma’afu
4. Peni Ravai
5. Manasa Saulo
HOOKERS
6. Sunia Koto (Vice Captain)
7. Tuapati Talemaitoga
8. Viliame Veikoso
LOCKS
9. Tevita Cavubati
10. Leone Nakarawa
11. Api Ratuniyarawa
12. Nemia Soqeta
BACKROW
13. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo
14. Akapusi Qera (Captain)
15. Malakai Ravulo
16. Netani Talei
17. Dom Waqaniburotu
18. Peceli Yato
HALF BACKS
19. Nemia Kenatale
20. Nikola Matawalu
21. Henry Seniloli
INSIDE BACKS
22. Lepani Botia
23. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
24. Joshua Matavesi
25. Ben Volavola
OUTSIDE BACKS
26. Vereniki Goneva (Vice Captain)
27. Kini Murimurivalu
28. Nemani Nadolo
29. Waisea Nayacalevu
30. Metuisela Talebula
31. Asaeli Tikoirotuma
Non Travelling Reserves:
FRONTROW: Joeli Veitayaki, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Jale Sassen
LOCK: Savenaca Tabakanalagi
BACKS: Seremaia Bai, Napolioni Nalaga, Timoci Nagusa
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On paper this is a formidable team what needs to be delivered is the exact game plan the coaches instruct this warriors of fiji to execute. It’s good to see the amount of forwards picked, because without our forwards going forward, winning the dog fight, keeping possession, clean aggression and tackling wave after wave…. it will be pointless to have the most talented attacking backline but no possession . What’s needed now good warm ups, cool downs, strength core, cardio(bursting the lungs), game tactics for different scenarios (night kickoff under floodlights),also play clever rugby(need to kick for touch and regroup don’t have to run ball from own 22 always),also good dietary supplements and rest. It’s important to have inspirational speakers in fijian language to talk to players(sergeant major,regiment sergeant major, ex fiji rugby players) because this players have to be mentally&physically physced up that they are going to war, ready to die on the field, grasp this moment for they are the chosen few and come the world cup opener millions around the world will be watching and I bloody hope we shock England.
To the players selected…. congratulations, and to John Mckee and his awesome support staff… Thanks