Jake White goes with Top 14 knowledge
Fiji know the French league better than most visitors to Lyon. Jake White named his side for Saturday’s Nations Championship test against France on Thursday afternoon, and nine of the starters play their club rugby in the Top 14.
The loudest name is Jiuta Wainiqolo, last season’s leading try-scorer in the competition. He starts on the left wing, at home in Lyon, and he will test the young France wing Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang. Salesi Rayasi of Union Bordeaux-Bègles is at full-back, Clermont’s Pita-Gus Sowakula packs down at number six, and Vannes scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli gets the nine shirt.
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No place for Tuisova in midfield
The surprise is in the centres. Josua Tuisova is not in the starting XV. White has gone instead with Lyon’s Iosefo Masi and his club-mate Vinaya Habosi, so Fiji’s midfield will know the stadium as well as the home side does.
Nathan Hughes, the former England international, wins his first cap for Fiji at number eight. Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere and Luke Tagi make up the front row, Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila start in the second row, and Kitione Salawa completes the back row. Isikeli Rabitu partners Kuruvoli at fly-half, with Wainiqolo, Habosi, Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada in the back three and centres, and Rayasi behind them.
France are without the injured Jegou, and they bring back Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack together at half-back.
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