18 Nov 2016

Sport: Fiji boosted by experience for England clash

12:27 pm on 18 November 2016

Fiji has named an experienced side to face England this weekend, with six changes in the starting lineup from the team that was beaten 40-7 by the Barbarians.

Coach John Mckee said there had been a real focus and intensity in training this week as they prepared for the number two ranked side in the world.

Mckee said for the team it has been about understanding and clarity around the game plan and executing under pressure.

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36 year old Sunia Koto will start at hooker for Fiji Photo: Photosport

He said he is confident they we can impose their game on the day.

Veteran Sunia Koto has been named at hooker alongside Manaia Saulo in the front row.

Apisalome Ratuniyawara and Peceli Yato are the two other changes in the pack while Josh Matavesi and Metuisela Talebula enter the backline.

England coach Eddie Jones delayed the naming of his side because of injury concerns.

Jones said forwards Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes and centre Elliot Daly are carrying knocks from last weekend's 37-21 victory over South Africa

FIJI:

1 Campese Maafu

2 Sunia Koto Vuli

3 Manaia Saulo

4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa

5 Leone Nakarawa

6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu

7 Peceli Yato

8 Akapusi Qera (c)

9 Seru Vularika

10 Josh Matavesi

11 Nemani Nadolo

12 Albert Vulivuli

13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma

14 Benito Masilevu

15 Metuisela Talebula

Replacements: Tuapati Talemaitoga, Peni Ravai, Leeroy Atalifo, Nemia Soqeta, Naulia Dawai, Eremasi Radrodro, Nikola Matawalu, Kini Murimurivalu.