Api Ratuniyarawa has been named in the starting XV for the Fiji national team in their upcoming Pacific Nations Cup match against Australia A.
The Exiles’ new acquisition from fellow Gallagher Premiership club Northampton Saints came off the replacements bench in last week’s 36-0 victory over Tonga.
Ratuniyarawa is one of 11 changes to the side marshalled by Head Coach Vern Cotter, with the former accompanied by young Fiji Drua lock Isoa Nasilasila in the Flying Fijians engine room.
The 35-year-old is in line for his 40th cap for his country, and is accompanied by former Exile Albert Tuisue in the starting pack.
Cotter spoke on the challenge ahead as his side hope to make it two from two in the tough encounter against Jason Gilmore’s outfit.
“We are creating tough decisions within the group so there have been some changes for this week, a couple through injury and fatigue and some just through giving players’ opportunities," the Head Coach stated.
“One of the key things we are looking at this week is making sure we strive to improve but I’m satisfied with the game and it’s the winning mindset which our players have developed.
“We saw against Samoa, they were a well-organized and well-practiced team.
"They will try and get the ball to the outside and will try and create space, so we need to be very smart in defense and work together.
“We will do man-on-man marking plus we need to be strong and aggressive in our defense but well organized at the same time.”
Vodafone Flying Fijians Squad V Australia A
1 Haereiti Hetet
2 Sam Matavesi
3 Manasa Saulo
4 Isoa Nasilasila
5 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
6 Mesulame Kunavula
7 Rusiate Nasove
8 Albert Tuisue
9 Frank Lomani
10 Teti Tela
11 Vinaya Habosi
12 Levani Botia {c}
13 Setareki Tamanivalu
14 Josua Tuisova
15 Manasa Mataele
Reserves
16 Mesulame Dolokoto
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Mesake Doge
19 Temo Manayanavanua
20 Kitione Kamikamica
21 Peni Matawalu
22 Vilimoni Botitu
23 Ben Volavol
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