Fiji, who only need one point to qualify for the quarter-finals, made six changes, including their pivot, to face Portugal on Sunday in Toulouse (9 p.m.) according to the team composition announced on Friday.
Compared to the starting XV which won against Georgia (17-12) eight days earlier, coach Simon Raiwalui chose to start the second line Temo Mayanavanua, the 3rd line Meli Derenalagi, the winger Vinaya Habosi and fullback Sireli Maqala. Frank Lomani and Vilimoni Botitu will constitute the new hinge. Vilimoni Botitu, who plays as a center for Castres, will wear the number 10 jersey for only the second time in his career with his national team.
The Flying Fijians’ usual scrum-half and scorer, Simione Kuruvoli, is not in the squad. Same goes for versatile fullback Semi Radradra. The center pair, however, is unchanged: captain Waisea Nayacalevu, who played the entirety of the first three matches, is kept alongside Josua Tuisova who, despite the family drama which left him in mourning, is very present in the XV departure.
Levani Botia, double European champion with La Rochelle, is the only player still present to have participated in Fiji’s last victory against Portugal in 2013 (36-13).
Fiji squad: Maqala – Ravutaumada, Nayacalevu (cap), Tuisova, Habosi – (o) Botitu (m) Lomani – Botia, Mata, Derenalagi – Mayanavanua, Nasilasila – Tagi, Matavesi, Mawi
Substitutes: Ikanivere, Ravai, Doge, Cirikidaveta, Tuisue, Matawalu, Tela, Masi
The Portuguese, who have nothing more to hope for in this World Cup, have made five changes in their starting XV compared to the team defeated by Australia (34-14) in the last match. José Lima notably replaces Tomás Appleton at center and captaincy.
Team of Portugal: Pinto – Storti, Bettencourt, Lima (cap.), Marta – (o) Portela, (m) Marques – Martins, Simoes, Wallis – Cerqueira, Madeira – Ferreira, Tadjer, Fernandes
Replacements: Costa, Diniz, Alves, Torgal, Granate, Belo, Appleton, Pinto
Referee: Luke Pearce (ENG)