OTAGO-based scrumhalf Nemia Kenatale has joined the Flying Fijians team last night. Kenatale, one of the overseas-based players in the team is one of the three halfbacks named by Inoke Male for the tour.
Former national sevens rep Nikola Matawalu and Kelemedi Bola are the other two scrumhalves in the team.
Kenatale was the top choice halfbacks during last years Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
He will be joining the team tonight (last night, Fiji Time), team manager Isei Rayawa said.
He is the only one that is yet to join, but I have the confirmation on my email that he will be joining the team very soon.
Kenatale, Matawalu and Bola will compete against each other as who will start the match against defending champion Japan next Tuesday.
Samoa takes on Tonga in the opening game of the 2012 International Rugby Board Pacific Nations Cup clash in Nagoya before Japan hosts the Fijians.
Fiji is expected to field a tough lineup led by inspirational skipper Netani Talei at the back of the scrum.
A handful of players like Setareki Koroilagilagi, Seremaia Naureure, Benedito Koroi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Isake Katonibau, Jerry Yanuyanutawa and Api Naikatini will be making their debut against Japan.
Players like Viliame Veikoso, Setefano Somoca, Vereniki Goneva, Talei, Malakai Ravulo and Leone Nakarawa played at last years RWC in New Zealand.
Fiji will play Samoa in their second match while the third match will be played in Lautoka.