Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has made two changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s Test match against Scotland at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
Prop Mesake Doge replaces Peni Ravai in the front row, while Sireli Maqala comes into the centres in place of Iosefo Balewairiki.
The rest of the side remains unchanged from the team that pushed Australia in a narrow defeat last weekend.
Halfback Sam Wye is in line to earn his first cap after being named among the replacements, ahead of Philip Baselala. Vilimoni Botitu also features on the bench and will provide cover in the midfield.
Byrne said the team had focused on key improvements during training this week, particularly around the breakdown, an area he expects Scotland to target.
“We must make sure we’re ready for that. There were areas we improved in the second half last week, and we’ll keep working on those,” Byrne said.
Fiji are aiming to bounce back from their 34–27 defeat to the Wallabies and are expected to face a physical challenge from the visiting Scottish side, who arrive in Suva as part of their Pacific tour.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, July 12
Kick-off: 3pm local time
Venue: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
Starting XV: 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Sireli Maqala, 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 15. Salesi Rayasi
Replacements: Samuel Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Sam Wye, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu
