Fiji needs one point against Portugal to reach the quarter-finals. Sarah Messonnier/Reuters
Fijian national team coach Simon Raiwalwe makes strong choices for the decisive match against the Portuguese “Lobos”.
Fiji, which needs just one point to qualify for the quarter-finals, has made six changes, including its pivot, to face Portugal on Sunday in Toulouse (9pm), according to the lineup announced on Friday.
Compared to the starting lineup that beat Georgia (17-12) eight days ago, coach Simon Raiwalwe chose to start second line Teemu Maianavanwa, third line Mele Derinalagi, winger Vinaya Haposi and fullback Cyreli Makala. Frank Lomani and Filimoni Potito will make up the new joint. Philemoni Potito, who plays as a midfielder for Castres, will wear the number 10 shirt for only the second time in his career with his national team.
Korovuli and Raddra are absent from the group
Flying Fijians regular player and top scorer, Simione Kuruvoli, is not in the squad. The same goes for versatile full-back Semi Radradra. The pair of the center is in a new place: the capita is located in Nayacalevu, which is located in the internal affairs of the previous neighborhoods, and is maintened by Josua Tuisova’s cities that, because of the family drama of the end, is present in the XV From the beginning.
Levani Botia, a two-time European champion with La Rochelle, is the only player still present who played in Fiji’s last win over Portugal in 2013 (36-13).
Fiji Team: Makala – Rafutaumada, Naiyakalivu (Cape), Tuisova, Haposi – (S) Potito (M) Lomani – Butea, Mata, Derinalagi – Maianavanua, Nasilasila – Taji, Matafesi, Maui
Subs: Ekanivere, Rafai, Doji, Sirikidavita, Tuiso, Matwalo, Tila, Masi.
The Portuguese, who has nothing more to hope for in the World Cup, made five changes in the starting lineup from the team that was defeated by Australia (34-14) in the last match. José Lima replaces Thomas Appleton at center and leads the team.
Portugal national team: Pinto – Storti, Bettencourt, Lima, Marta – Portela, Marquez – Martins, Simoes, Wallis – Cerqueira, Madeira – Ferreira, Tadjer, Fernandez
Subs: Costa, Diniz, Alves, Torgal, Granit, Bello, Appleton, Pinto.
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
