Serupepeli Vularika ahead of Nikola Matawalu at halfback
Vodafone Flying Fijians Coach John McKee has retained most of the players from last Saturday’s match against the Wallabies, with a few changes to the team.
McKee says that he has selected a very strong team with a good mix of experienced and new players.
McKee has picked Serupepeli Vularika ahead of Nikola Matawalu at halfback, Eroni Vasiteri comes into the midfield for Albert Vulivuli while Tuapati Talemaitoga starts at hooker.
Flying Fijians: Peni Ravai, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Kalivati Tawake, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Captain Akapusi Qera, Nemani Nagusa, Serupepeli Vularika, Ben Volavola, Vereniki Goneva, Eroni Vasiteri, Jale Vatubua, Timoci Nagusa, Kini Murimurivalu.
Reserves: Jale Sassen, Joeli Veitayaki, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Cavubati, Viliame Mata, Mosese Voka, Nikola Matawalu and Benito Masilevu.
McKee says that the team has trained very well this week and has been working on some learnings from the Australian game.
The team was disappointed they were not efficient enough in the scoring zone last week despite dominating possession for long periods of the game.
He adds that the Italians would present a different challenge to the one they faced against the Wallabies.
The Flying Fijians will host Italy at 2.30pm Saturday at the ANZ Stadium.
Fijivillage
