11 changes to Flying Fijians lineup

Flying Fijians newly named captain, Netani Talei said his boys will have to bring the joy and fun of their rugby into the last Rugby World Cup game against Wales on Sunday.

Talei who was a surprise pick after the coaching staff have decided to rest players like Deacon Manu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Napolioni Nalaga and Kini Murimurivalu said that while it is a privilege to lead the team it comes in a time when many rugby fans are losing faith in the team.

Talei has been coming in from the reserve bench in all of Fiji's past three games knowing that he will have to try and restore some pride back in the Fiji team.

Flying Fijians head coach Samu Domoni Jnr has made 11 changes to his starting lineup that will take on Wales in their last pool game on Sunday.

Domoni has also named Netani Talei as captain and will replace Sisa Koyamaibole at number 8.

Other changes see, Waisea Naulago taking over from Campese Ma’afu at loose head prop and Setefano Somoca at tight head in place of Deacon Manu.

Wame Lewaravu is back at lock with a new loose forward trio of Rupeni Nasiga, Sakiusa Masi and Talei.

Vitori Buatava gets his first start with Ravai Fatiaki, Albert Vulivuli, Michael Tagicakibau and Iliesa Keresoni all in the run on team.

Players like Deacon Manu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Napolioni Nalaga and Kini Murimurivalu have not been considered.

The Fiji team to play Wales in the forwards, Waisea Naulago, Sunia Koto, Setefano Somoca, Leone Nakarawa, Wame Lewaravu, Rupeni Nasiga, Sakiusa Masi and Netani Talei as captain.

Back line will be Vitori Buatava, Nicky Little, Michael Tagicakibau, Gaby Lovobalavu, Ravai Fatiaki, Albert Vulivuli and Iliesa Keresoni

Reserves are Viliame Veikoso, Campese Ma'afu, Mala Ravulo, Akapusi Qera, Nemia Kenatale, Seremaia Bai and Vereniki Goneva.

The Wales and Fiji match kicks off at 5pm on Sunday in Hamilton and a commentary of the match can be heard on our sister station, VitiFM with the voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and expert comments from Ilivasi Tabua.

Former All Black and Fiji's 1999 Rugby World Cup coach, Brad Johnstone said South Africa’s performance is looking very good so far and the question is whether teams like the All Blacks and England can stop them from winning the Webb Ellis trophy back to back.

Johnstone who watched NZ take on France at Eden Park last week said going into the quarter finals next week, the big teams are expected to step up.

It is highly likely that the Springboks will meet the Wallabies in the quarter finals next week, and Johnstone is putting his money on South Africa to go through to the semis.