Eleven debutants have been named in the Flying Fijians matchday squad to take on the Barbarians in London this weekend.
Manawatu prop Samuela Tawake, Northland lock Temo Mayanavanua, Queensland Reds first five Teti Tela and Fijian Drua outside backs Jiuta Wainiqolo and Enele Malele have been selected in the starting fifteen, which includes eight members of the Fijian Drua team that reached the semi finals of the Australian National Rugby Championship.
Northland lock Temo Mayanavanua will make his international debut for Fiji against the Barbarians. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Another Five Drua players are poised to make their international debut off the bench at Twickenham, along with Edinburgh flanker and former Fiji sevens star Mesulame Kunavula.
Eroni Mawi, Veremalua Vugakoto, Mosese Voka and Frank Lomani add some important top-level experience to the Fijian side, having all featured for Fiji at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Meanwhile Asaeli Tikoirotuma will make his first appearance for Fiji in two years in a midfield pairing alongside Serupepeli Vularika.
Asaeli Tikoirotuma played for North Harbour in the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 33-year-old former Chiefs and London Irish flyer is the most experienced player in the squad with 23 test caps, while the starting fifteen only combine for 97 in all plus a further nine on the bench.
"This game gives us great opportunity to expose some younger Fijian players, who can play for Fiji towards Rugby World Cup 2023, to the big game atmosphere playing the Barbarians." said Flying Fijians head coach John McKee.
"It's a great opportunity for the players to express themselves and make their mark for Fiji on the world stage."
A new-look Flying Fijians side will face the Barbarians in London. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Fiji squad:
1. Eroni Mawi (Fijian Drua - 12 caps), 2. Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto (Fijian Drua - 9 caps), 3. Samuela Tawake (Manuwatu - debut), 4. Temo Mayanavanua (Northland - debut),
5. Sikeli Nabou (Counties Manukau - 6 caps), 6. Mosese Voka (Fijian Drua - 9 caps), 7. John Dyer (Fijian Drua - 1 cap), 8. Eremasi Radrodro (Fijian Drua - 4 caps), 9. Frank Lomani (Melbourne Rebels - 14 caps), 10. Teti Tela (Queensland Reds - debut), 11. Patrick Osborne (Canterbury - 9 caps), 12. Serupepeli Vularika (Fijian Drua - 10 caps),
13. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (North Harbour - 23 caps), 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo (Fijian Drua - debut), 15. Enele Malele (Fijian Drua - debut).
Reserves: 16. Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua - debut), 17. Joeli Veitayaki (Fijian Drua - 6 caps), 18. Mosese Ducivaki (Fijian Drua - 3 caps), 19. Tevita Naqali (Fijian Drua - debut),
20. Mesulame Kunavula (Edinburgh - debut), 21. Peni Matawalu (Fijian Drua - debut, 22. Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua - debut), 23. Cyril Reece (Fijian Drua - debut).
