11 January, 2026, 10:20 am Central - 26°C Rain

Tela, Wainiqolo and Nasilasila to start while Cocagi to make his debut for Flying Fijians against Ireland

Tela, Wainiqolo and Nasilasila to start while Cocagi to make his debut for Flying Fijians against Ireland

By Rusiate Baleilevuka
11/11/2022
[Image: telegraph]

Flying Fijians Head Coach Vern Cotter has made eight changes and a few positional adjustments for their second Autumn Nations Series match against Ireland on Sunday.

Cotter has maintained his front row which sees Eroni Mawi at loosehead prop, Sam Matavesi at hooker and Manasa Saulo at tighthead prop.

Isoa Nasilasila will replace Temo Mayanavanua and will start at lock alongside Ratu Leone Rotuisolia.

The back row remains the same with Albert Tuisue, Levani Botia and Viliame Mata at number eight.

In the backline, Teti Tela will start at fly-half and will partner with half-back Frank Lomani.

Kalaveti Ravouvou and captain Waisea Nayacalevu are in the midfield, the back three will consist of Jiuta Wainiqolo and Vinaya Habosi on the wings while Setareki Tuicuvu will start at fullback.

The replacements are, Mesulame Dolokoto, Lee-Roy Atalifo, John Dyer, Ben Volavola, and Simione Kuruvoli while Adrea Cocagi will highly likely make his debut off the bench.

Cotter said Vilimoni Botitu played very well at number 10 against Scotland last weekend but unfortunately missed the selection due to an injury while Maqala is being rested to give Adrea Cocagi a chance to prove himself.

Cotter says the Flying Fijians need to display their best game and do everything right if they are to counter Ireland on Sunday.

The Flying Fijians will take on Ireland at 1am Sunday.

Flying Fijians Team V Ireland

1. Eroni Mawi 2. Sam Matavesi 3. Manasa Saulo 4. Isoa Nasilasila 5. Ratu Leone Rotuisolia 6. Albert Tuisue 7. Levani Botia 8. Viliame Mata 9. Frank Lomani 10. Teti Tela 11. Vinaya Habosi 12. Kalaveti Ravouvou 13. Waisea Nayacalevu 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo 15. Setareki Tuicuvu Reserves 16. Mesulame Dolokoto 17. Livai Natave 18. Lee-Roy Atalifo 19. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa 20. John Dyer 21. Simione Kuruvoli 22. Ben Volavola 23. Adrea Cocagi

cocagi
Castres centre, Adrea Cocagi will make his debut for the Flying Fijians against Ireland on Sunday [Image: Minute Sports].

FNRL
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