Fiji revise pack for South Africa clash

Fiji have made three strategic changes to their pack for their Pool D match against South Africa at Wellington Regional Stadium on 17 September.

Three European-based players - hooker Sunia Koto (Narbonne) and back rows Akapusi Qera (Gloucester) and Sakiusa Matadigo (Montpellier) - were selected in place of Suva-based Viliame Veikoso and North Harbour's Mala Ravulo, who drop out of the 22, and Edinburgh-based Netani Edward Talei, who moves back to the bench.

"We looked at those changes to complement what we're trying to achieve for this Saturday's game against South Africa," said Fiji coach Samu Domoni.

“We respect the Springboks. They are the current world champions and they did really well the other night against Wales (winning 17-16).

“But it doesn’t limit our expectation of what we’re capable of executing on Saturday. There are a few things that we can maximise for a good performance.”

Hooker Koto, 31, has played 30 Tests for Fiji since making his debut in 2005 and almost 100 matches in stints with London Welsh and French side Narbonne since 2007. He came off the bench in the 49-25 win over Namibia to make his RWC debut in round one.

Flying Fijians

Openside flanker Qera, 26, playing in his second Rugby World Cup and 24th Test, has played at English club Gloucester for four years, scoring 21 tries in his 77 games.

Number 8 Matadigo, 28, is a former Sevens player who has just completed a successful season with Top 14 runners-up Montpellier, whom he joined in 2009. He will be making his RWC debut in this match and his seventh Test appearance for Fiji.

Asked whether Fiji would move the ball around to tire South Africa's huge forwards, captain Deacon Manu explained that was their style irrespective of who they played.

"I guess one of our strengths as the 'flying Fijians' is to keep the ball in hand and look to play rugby, really," said Manu. "That's not going to change regardless of our opposition and the size of them. We're still looking to play and express ourselves in the way we play."

South Africa has a 2-0 record against Fiji in their only encounters since 1996 and Manu knows Fiji will have to be at their best.

"We've got to make sure that as a forward pack we stand up and we match them physically, mentally and tactically in all the areas if we're going to compete with them on the scoreboard," he said.

Reserve back Nicky Little will become Fiji's most capped RWC player if he takes the field against South Africa. He is level with Moses Rauluni on 11 RWC appearances.