Pacific / Fiji

Sport: Fijian trio named for Super Rugby's Pacific debut in Suva

13:19 pm on 30 June 2016

A trio of Fijian players have been named to start in tomorrow's historic Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and Crusaders in Suva.

Lautoka-born midfielder Seta Tamanivalu will line up at centre for the Chiefs, fresh from making his All Blacks debut against Wales in the past few weeks.

Seta Tamanivalu scores against the Hurricanes Photo: Photosport

Fellow New Zealand internationals Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane have also been named in the starting fifteen, while first five Aaron Cruden is on the bench.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said they've been made to feel very welcome since touching down in Fiji.

"They got the red carpet rolled out for us when we got off the plane and obviously we had a bit of a reception, little bit of a kava ceremony and certainly we've been really welcomed. It's been fantastic here. The food is great - seafood chowder was the first meal I had while I was here. Our boys, they're pretty good eaters, they're enjoying the local food and plenty of good stuff."

Fijian flyers Nemani Nadolo and Jone Macilai will start on the wings for the Crusaders.

Six All Blacks, including skipper Kieran Read are also in the starting side, with prop Joe Moody on the bench for the competition leaders.

Flying Fijians first five Ben Volavola is not in the matchday squad despite starting Fiji's test at against Georgia at ANZ Stadium a week ago.

Jone Macilai-Tori Photo: PHOTOSPORT