Fiji place emphasis on size

Fiji head coach Ilivasi Tabua on Friday named five changes to his team that managed to scrape through in their Pool B match against Japan on Wednesday.

The most notable changes are in the forward pack, an area that will be critical against Canada, who have a formidable forward pack themselves.

Lock Ifereimi Rawaqa, who will be one of the two changes to the forward pack, will replace Wame Learavu while Jone Railomo, who was on the Fijian bench against Japan will get a starting opportunity against Canada.

“Railomo will give us an edge in the scrummaging, knowing that the Canadians will be tough up front and a lot bigger in size [than Japan] and that’s why we’ve gone for that combination,” said Tabua told moissac on Friday.

The other three changes are all on the bench with Jone Railomo, Ace Ratuva and Maleli Kunavore hoping to get some game-time against Canada.

Fiji:15 Kameli Ratuvou, 14 Vilimoni Delasau, 13 Seru Rabeni, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Isoa Neivua, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Mosese Rauluni (c), 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Semisi Naevo, 5 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 4 Kele Leawere, 3 Jone Railomo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Graham Dewes
Replacements:16 Vereniki Sauturaga, 17 Henry Qiodravu, 18 Netani Talei, 19 Jone Qovu, 20 Jone Daunivucu, 21 Maleli Kunavore, 22 Norman Ligairi

Date: Sunday September, 16
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Tony Spreadbury
Touch judges: Christophe Berdos, Mark Lawrence
Television match official: Craig Joubert
Assessor: Steve Hilditch