Natoga to earn first cap as Somoca leads

Nadroga winger Aisea Natoga (left in picture) is set to earn his first Test cap this weekend as Setefano Somoca takes over captaincy duty for the Flying Fijians final match of the Europe Tour against Georgia this Sunday.

Natoga’s inclusion at right wing is one of nine changes, four of which are positional, made by head coach Inoke Male to the run-on-team that lost 53-0 to Ireland XVs last weekend.

In one of the four changes to the pack, Somoca replaces Deacon Manu in the front row where he teams up Jerry Yanuyanutawa and Viliame Veikoso.

In the second row, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa has been promoted from the bench at the expense of Apisai Naikatini to make up the new locking pair with Leone Naikarawa. Naikatini moves to man the flanks with Malakai Ravulo at the expense of Iliesa Ratuva who replaces Nemani Nagusa at the base of the scrum.

Male has retained the halves combo of Nikola Matawalu at halfback and Jonetani Ralulu at fly-half.

Natoga and Watosoni Votu have been named on the wing. Saula Radidi is promoted from the bench to make up the new midfield pairing with vice captain Vereniki Goneva with Metuisela Talebula running in at Full Back.

The Flying Fijians have been winless so far on this Europe Tour and Male is banking on this team to win the last match before they return home next week.

Team manager Aseri Rokoura told FijiLive, a win would be a great way to end the tour in terms of IRB ranking places and in view of the Rugby World Cup 2015 pool allocation on 3 December.

The Flying Fijians Squad (1-15): Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Viliame Veikoso, Setefano Somoca (C), Leone Nakarawa, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Apisai Naikatini, Malakai Ravulo, Iliesa Ratuva, Nikola Matawalu, Jonetani Ralulu, Watisoni Votu, Vereniki Goneva (VC), Saula Radidi, Aisea Natoga, Metuisela Talebula.
Reserves
Tuapati Talemaitoga, Manasa Saulo, Jerry Naureure, Jovili Domolailai, Nemani Nagusa, Kelemedi Bola, Samuela Wara, Malakai Volau.

FijiLive