Fiji have finalised their squad for the Rugby World Cup, with front-rower Lee-Roy Atalifo the unlucky man to drop out.
Former Canterbury prop Lee-Roy Atalifo missed out on Fiji's Rugby World Cup squad. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 31-year-old prop, who made his test debut in 2014, is one of 11 players on stand-by in case of injury.
"The final decision on the travelling five props was difficult with very little separating the players," said Flying Fijians head coach John McKee.
"I am pleased though to be able to now finalise the final 31 players to represent Fiji at Rugby World Cup 2019. This is a very strong group, one that can make Fiji proud at Rugby World Cup.
"I am confident that the five props selected give us a balance of mobility in general play along with technical competence in the set play scrum and lineout."
The Flying Fijians open their Rugby World Cup campaign against Australia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Flying Fijians rounded out their World Cup preparations with a 29-19 victory over Tonga in the Pasifika Challenge in Auckland last weekend and McKee said the team is in a good space leading into their tournament opener against the Wallabies in Sapporo.
"Our physical fitness and our ability to play at that intensity is getting pretty close to where we need to be," he said.
"We've still got three weeks until our first game...so there's still quite a bit of work to do in the next two weeks and then tapering off into that critical first game against Australia.
"I'm happy with where we are at the moment but know that we've still got a bit of work ahead of us in the next two weeks."
Fiji Rugby World Cup squad
Forwards: Campese Ma'afu, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Kalivati Tawake, Mesulame Dolokoto, Samuel Matavesi, Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Tevita Ratuva, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu (c), Peceli Yato.
Backs: Frank Lomani, Nikola Matawalu, Henry Seniloli, Levani Botia, Jale Vatubua, Ben Volavola, Vereniki Goneva, Filipo Nakosi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova, Joshua Matavesi, Alivereti Veitokani, Kini Murimurivalu.
Players on stand-by: Lee-Roy Atilifo, Luke Tagi, Joeli Veitayaki, Tevita Ikanivere, Albert Tuisue, Johnny Dyer, Nemani Negusa, Serupepeli Vularika, Sevanaia Galala, Eroni Sau, Setareki Tuicuvu.