Pacific

Sport: Fiji name team for World Cup opener

06:52 am on 17 September 2015

Ben Volavola has been given the nod at first five for Fiji's opening Rugby World Cup match against hosts England at Twickenham.

The 24 year-old, who only made his test debut in July, has been preferred to Joshua Matavesi in the only change to the side that beat Canada in their last warm-up game.

Flying Fijians first five Ben Volavola will start against England in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP

Akapusi Qera will lead the Flying Fijians for the 21st time from the openside flank while Nemani Nadolo will make his World Cup debut on the left wing.

Sunia Koto, Leone Nakarawa, Sakiusa Masi Matadigo and Gabiriele Lovobalavu all started Fiji's last World Cup match against Wales four years ago.

Former Fiji captain Deacon Manu says the team is much strong this time around and has been building nicely.

"They've grown in confidence, beating Samoa a couple of times to win that Pacific Nations Cup away. They've got a good set-piece coach - to challenge those tier one teams you've got to have that. There's a few guys that will need to keep stepping up and that's what World Cups are about really - testing the ability of the team and as an individual. I'm really looking forward to that opening game against England."

Fiji team:

15-Metuisela Talebula

14-Waisea Nayacalevu

13-Vereniki Goneva

12-Gabiriele Lovobalavu

11-Nemani Nadolo

10-Ben Volavola

9-Nikola Matawalu

8-Sakiusa Masi Matadigo

7-Akapusi Qera (C)

6-Dominiko Waqaniburotu

5-Leone Nakarawa

4-Apisalome Ratuniyarawa

3-Manasa Saulo

2-Sunia Koto

1-Campese Ma'afu

16-Tuapati Talemaitoga

17-Peni Ravai

18- Isei Colati

19-Tevita Cavubati

20-Peceli Yato

21-Nemia Kenatale

22-Joshua Matavesi

23-Aseli Tikoirotuma