Injuries to key players have forced a change in plans for the Vodafone Flying Fijians three match Northern Tour.
Levani Botia, Peceli Yato and Peni Narisia have been ruled out of the tour because of injuries and have been replaced by Apisai Naqaliva, Zuriel Togiatama and Api Ratuniyarawa.
Vodafone Flying Fijians interim coach for the Northern Tour, Gareth Baber said losing those players had affected the squad.
Baber said ultimately all the players knew of the task at hand which was to win all the three Tests.
“With the injuries, it ultimately does change our plans for the three match series,” he said.
“We already have got a smaller squad bearing in mind what we have to deal with in the next three weeks with 28 players.
“Losing those players has its effect on the squad. But equally we have replaced them with quality players who have been playing up in Europe and some young names as well.
“I think they are going to add value. We have been together for about two days now and we have been going through some understanding of being back as a group with the information that they have to take in.
“Also you know the beauty of being back together as a Fijian group, it is fantastic for me as it’s been a couple of months since I have done that.
“These players who have come in know what the job is at hand and ultimately what they are here to do is to win the three tests.”
The Flying Fijians will take on Spain this Sunday and then face Wales on November 15 rounding off the tour against Georgia on November 20.
Flying Fijians 28-member extended squad for November Tour:
(Loose Head Prop) Peni Ravai, Eroni Mawi; (Hooker) Samuel Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Henry Spring; (Tight Head Prop) Luke Tagi, Mesake Doge, Leeroy Atalifo; (Locks) Tevita Ratuva, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Leone Nakarawa; (Backrow/Lock) Api Ratuniyarawa; (Backrow) Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Mesulame Kunavula, Bill Mata; (Halfback) Frank Lomani, Nikola Matawalu; (Flyhalf) Ben Volavola; (Centre/Flyhalf) Vilimoni Botitu; (Centre) Apisai Naqalevu, Eneriko Buliruarua; (Centre/Wing) Waisea Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova; (Wing) Eroni Sau, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Jiuta Wainiqolo; (Wing/Fullback) Seta Tuicuvu.
