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Fiji boss Vern Cotter. PA

Fiji boss says tomorrow's Test match will be used as ‘training session’ by Ireland

Andy Farrell’s side go into the game having downed South Africa and with Australia on the horizon.

FIJI BOSS VERN Cotter has suggested Saturday’s Test match in Dublin is nothing more than a “training session” to hosts Ireland due to their focus being on greater challenges.

Andy Farrell’s side go into the middle game of their autumn campaign having downed world champions South Africa and with Australia on the horizon.

The Flying Fijians have never beaten the nation currently top of the world rankings, losing each of the four previous meetings.

Head coach Cotter, who has made three personnel changes following last weekend’s defeat to Scotland, talked down the prospect of snapping that run, suggesting the game is a learning exercise opposed to a genuine contest.

“We will have to step up against Ireland,” he said, according to fijirugby.com.

“The game against South Africa has given them an enormous amount of confidence and they are barely looking at us because they have Australia the week after.

“For them, it’s just a training session and for us, it’s a game where we can learn so we will use this opportunity to get better.”

Cotter has recalled Teti Tela in place of Vilimoni Botitu at fly-half following the 28-12 loss at Murrayfield, while lock Isoa Nasilasila comes in for Temo Mayanavanua.

Seta Tuicuvu moves to full-back to fill the void left by the injured Kini Murimurivalu, giving Jiuta Wainiqolo an opportunity on the right wing.

Fiji team: S Tuicuvu; J Wainiqolo, W Nayacalevu, K Ravouvou, V Habosi; T Tela, F Lomani; E Mawi, S Matavesi, M Saulo, I Nasilasila, R L Rotuisolia, A Tuisue, L Botia, V Mata.

Replacements: M Dolokoto, L Natave, L Atalifo, A Ratuniyarawa, J Dyer, S Kuruvoli, B Volavola, A Cocagi.

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3 Comments
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    Mute Jack Hackett
    Favourite Jack Hackett
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    Nov 11th 2022, 12:08 PM

    Mind games from Cotter. Ireland will not take Fiji as a gaurenteed win.

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    Mute Anthony James McLaughlin
    Favourite Anthony James McLaughlin
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    Nov 11th 2022, 12:43 PM

    This was the fixture where the injury troubles really started for Joey, hopefully he’ll be able to exorcise a few demons and kick on from here.

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    Mute Criiochúr Daniel Daithí O'Chathail
    Favourite Criiochúr Daniel Daithí O'Chathail
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    Nov 11th 2022, 5:52 PM

    Lol, he thinks Ireland will not take this game seriously. I’m pretty sure Ireland named a pretty strong team, and the game is a sell out. Perhaps he should refrain from taking further swipes at us. Ireland has a high level of respect for the Fijians. We have been increasingly aware of how good they have been lately.

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