6 Jul 2015

Sport: Fiji name strong squad for Maori All Blacks match

7:46 am on 6 July 2015

The Fiji rugby team's ultimate focus remains the World Cup later this year, but coach John McKee says beating a strong Maori All Blacks side on Saturday is no less important.

Fiji Rugby Logo

Fiji Rugby Logo Photo: Fiji Rugby

McKee has named his squad to take on the Maori All Blacks on Saturday.

Those who could make their debut include Ben Volavola, who played for the Waratahs last season, and Peceli Yato, who plies his trade for Clermont in France.

The Flying Fijians take on the Maori All Blacks in Suva on Saturday, before facing Tonga, Samoa and Japan in pool play of the Pacific Nations Cup.

World rankings apply to all the games, and John McKee said he would like to see his 11th ranked team cement its place in the top 10.

"The Pacific Nations Cup is an important competition to us and rankings are important," he said.

"We need to win games there to continue to climb the rankings - it would be nice if we could break into the top 10."

He said he was expecting a bruising encounter this weekend.

The Fiji squad to take on the Maori All Blacks:

Campese Ma'afu, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Manasa Saulo, Api Ratuniyarawa, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera, Masi Matadigo, Nikola Matawalu, Ben Volavola, Nemani Nadolo, Gabby Lovobalavu, Viriniki Goneva, Benidito Masilevu, Kini Murimurivalu, Peni Ravai, Villiame Veikoso, Isei Calati, Tevita Cavubati, Malakai Ravulo, Nemia Kenatali, Josh Matevesi, Metuisela Talebula, Joeli Veitayaki, Sunia Koto, Taniela Koroi, Api Naikatini, Nemia Soqeta, Peceli Yato, Henry Seniloli, Jonetani Ralulu, Lepani Botia, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Waisea Nayacalevu, Napoloni Nalaga, Jale Sassen.