JUNIOR Flying Fijians head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has kept the faith in his halves pair of Philip Baselala and Isaiah Ravula to take on Six Nations under-20 champion Ireland at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, South Africa tonight.
Fiji must pull off a miracle win in the World Rugby U20 Championship Pool B match to avoid a 12th-place play-off and possible relegation to the trophy competition next year.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua half-back Baselala and Hurricanes U20 fly-half Ravula have started in Fiji’s past two games – where the side lost to Australia (46-37) and England (53-7).
Rawaqa has stuck to his guns by retaining the forward pack that lost to England last Friday and has made several positional changes to his backline.
Pateresio Finau comes into the starting XV at 12 after warming the bench last week. Waqa Nalaga moves from 12 to 13 while Maika Kamikamica is out of the matchday 23. Sireli Masiwini will play
at 14 in place of Bronson Lee.
Motikiai Murray retains the captain’s armband.
“This game against Ireland will be an important game for us but we are looking forward to it,” Murray told World Rugby after the match against England.
“I was pleased with our physicality today and also that we trusted each other in our teamwork.”
The match kicks off at 11.30pm.
Fiji team v Ireland
Starting XV (1-15) — Moses Mc- Goon, Joeli Nainoca, Breyton Legge, Mesake Vocevoce, Nalani May, Timoci Nakalevu, Moti Murray (C), Juda Saumaisue, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Ravula, Manieta Navonovono, Pateresio Finau, Waqa Nalaga, Sireli Masiwini, Peni Waqalala
Impact players (16-23) — Josh Kina, Marika Toga, Lasaro Vuluma, Semi Tokitani, Sakenasa Nalasi, Zach Kama, Frank Ralogaivau, Netava Saukuru.
