European Stars Named in Fiji and Samoa lineups

Fiji and Samoa have included a number of players based in Europe to feature in their Pacific Nations Cup clash at ANZ Stadium in Fiji on Saturday. 

Fiji coach John McKee has included EPCR European Player of the Year Leone Nakarawa leading the forwards, while Premiership Player of the Year Vereniki Goneva spearheads the backs.

Akapusi Qera will captain the side at no.8 while Sevanaia Galala will make his debut at inside centre.  

Three other players are in line for debuts from the bench. Hooker and former Fiji under-20 captain Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, prop Eroni Mawi and sevens representative Alivereti Veitokani are included among the reserves.

Meanwhile, three new caps have been named in the Samoa team for the match at Suva’s National Stadium.

Harlequins backrower Mat Luamanu and Bordeaux winger Ed Fidow are included in the starting lineup, and Western Force flyhalf Rodney Iona is named on the bench.

Premiership stars Sinoti Sinoti and Logovii Mulipola start while Bristol flyhalf starts. Stade Francais prop Paul Alo-Emile also starts for the Samoans.

Fiji's Lineup

15-1: Kini Murimurivalu, Benito Masilevu, Jale Vatubua, Sevanaia Galala, Verniki Goneva, Ben Volavola, Henry Seniloli; Akapusi Qera (captain), Viliame Mata, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Leone Nakawara, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Manasa Saulo, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Campese Ma’afu.

Replacements: Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Eroni Mawi, Ropate Rinakama, Sikeli Nabou, Nemani Nagusa, Serupepeli Vularika, Alivereti Veitokani, Timoci Nagusa.

Samoa's Lineup

15-1: Ah See Tuala, Ed Fidow, Rey Lee-Lo, Alapati Leiua, Sinoti Sinoti, Tusi Pisi, Melani Matavao; Mat Luamanu, Jack Lam, Piula Faasalele, Chris Vui (captain), Josh Tyrell, Paul Alo-Emile, Motu Matu’u, Logovii Mulipola.

Replacements: Seilala Lam, Jordan Lay, Viliamu Afatia, Joe Tekori, T.J. Ioane, Dwayne Polataivao, Rodney Iona, Paul Perez .