By Gareth James
Welsh fans will be able to join Warren Gatland and his squad in running the rule over next week’s opening opponents in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series when Fiji kick-off their tour with a clash with Scotland at Murrayfield this weekend.
The side is drawn exclusively from their Super Rugby Pacifica team the Drua because the game falls outside the Test window.
They will be back up to full strength when they arrive in Wales next week with all their overseas stars available to them
Former captain Waisea Nayacalevu (Sale Sharks) and fellow midfielders, Josua Tuisova (Racing 92) and Semi Radradra (Lyon) are not available this week but head coach Mick Byrne will have them all back with him in the Welsh capital from Monday.
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Only six players from the matchday 23 that lost to England in last year’s World Cup quarter-final are included in the side as they go in search of their first win over Scotland in Edinburgh.
Next week they will be seeking their first win on Welsh soil against Wales 60 years on from their first appearance.
Scrum-half Frank Lomani is the only starting back to be selected from that World Cup encounter last year, with Simi Kuruvoli also returning to provide cover from the bench.
Upfront, the survivors from the England defeat include captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere, lock Isoa Nasilasila and flankers Meli Derenalagi and Vilive Miramira.
Paris Olympic silver medalist Ponipate Loganimasi appears on the left wing.
“I think physically we are prepared, and the boys are in great spirit. The weather’s been kind to us and the people in Scotland have been awesome – we’ve settled in really well,” said Mick Byrne, the Fijian head coach.
Byrne has named two uncapped players on the bench in Kemueli Valetini, the brother of Wallabies star Rob, and fellow back Waqa Nalaga. Seventeen of the 23-man squad helped Fiji to win the Pacific Nations Cup back in September.
Fiji: Isaiah Ravula; Vuate Karawalevu, Apisalome Vota, Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata
Reps: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Simi Kuruvoli, Kemueli Valetini*, Waqa Nalaga*
*uncapped
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