Leone Nakarawa to lead Flying Fijians against All Blacks
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Leone Nakarawa has been given more responsibility as he will lead the Flying Fijians against the All Blacks in their final test match on Saturday in Hamilton.
Nakarawa replaces Levani Botia for the captaincy role after the hard-hitting center was ruled out due to a knee injury earlier this week.
Head Coach Vern Cotter said “Earlier in the week we knew we had a doubt with Levani Botia and we spoke to Leone. He has already been looking after the line-outs and now he takes on a wider leadership role of the whole team but he does that naturally with his excellent leadership skills.”
It will also be a special moment for France-based Eneriko Buliruarua who makes the run-on side after being named on the bench for the first test match.
Buliruarua starts at the inside center and partners with Waisea Nayacalevu in the midfield.
Robust forward Peceli Yato makes his cut at number 8 relegating Albert Tuisue on the bench, the only change Cotter has made up-front.
Queensland Reds half-back Moses Sorovi and Teti Tela are likely to earn their test debut off the bench.
Flying Fijians Squad V All Blacks
- Peni Ravai
- Sam Matavesi
- Mesake Doge
- Temo Mayanavanua
- Leone Nakarawa {c}
- Johnny Dyer
- Mesulame Kunavula
- Peceli Yato
- Frank Lomani
- Ben Volavola
- Nemani Nadolo
- Eneriko Buliruarua
- Waisea Nayacalevu
- Setareki Tuicuvu
- Kini Murimurivalu
Reserves
- Mesulame Dolokoto
- Eroni Mawi
- Leeroy Atalifo
- Albert Tuisue
- Kitione Kamikamica
- Moses Sorovi
- Teti Tela
- Manasa Mataele
