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Metuisela Talebula (middle) makes a break during the thrashing of Canada. Adam Davy

Fiji have included all the flair in their team to face England on Friday

Fiji are stacked full of excitement.

FIJI HAVE NAMED their team to face England in the World Cup opener this Friday, and it’s stacked full of flair.

The Fijians are being tipped to cause a headache for heavyweights England, Wales and Australia in Pool A, and while it’s unlikely they’ll be making it to the knockout stages, they could make the Pool of Death very interesting.

John McKee has named his strongest side available for the opener on Friday, with Crusaders flyer Nemani Nadolo picked on the wing.

Nadolo scored nine tries in last season’s Super Rugby, including this stunning catch from a Dan Carter crossfield kick against the Auckland Blues.
https://vine.co/v/eMgxYVOxqQ2

Elsewhere the always exciting Niko Matawalu starts at scrum-half, with the Bath-bound player recovering from a knock against Canada recently to be passed fit for the opener.

Matawalu score two tries in that 47-18 hammering, the pick of which was this move that he started and finished, with help from centres Vereniki Goneva and Gabirieli Lovobalavu, who both start on Friday.

matawalu

Glasgow Warriors second row Leone Nakarawa also starts for the Fijians, and as we’ve seen before, even for a big guy he’s pretty nimble on his feet.

nakarawa

“I am very pleased to be able to announce a very strong line-up for the opening match of RWC2015,” McKee said.

“We have come through a very good preparation phase and are ready to move into the competition.

“All our players are fit and available for selection,” McKee added.

Fiji (v England)

15. Metuisela Talebula
14. Waisea Nayacalevu
13. Vereniki Goneva
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
11. Nemani Nadolo
10. Ben Volavola
9. Nikola Matawalu

1. Campese Ma’afu
2. Sunia Koto
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Akapusi Qera (c)
8. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo

Replacements:

16. Tuapati Talemaitoga

17. Peni Ravai
18. Isei Colati
19. Tevita Cavubati
20. Peceli Yato
21. Nemia Kenatale
22. Joshua Matavesi
23. Aseli Tikoirotuma.

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Author
Neil Treacy
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