Fiji will pair their captain Waisea Nayacalevu and highly-rated centre Semi Radradra together for the first time when they take on England in their World Cup warm-up Test at Twickenham.
Nayacalevu comes into Saturday’s side, and takes over the captaincy from Radradra, in one of seven changes from the starting line-up that lost 34-17 to World Cup hosts France in Nantes seven days earlier.
“We have been rotating players and testing combinations so this is the right time to test these two experienced players this weekend,” said coach Simon Raiwalui on Thursday.
“They are leaders in the team and also role models to our players and I’m confident that they will form the best combination on the day.”
Frank Lomani and Caleb Muntz continue at halfback after impressing against the French but Selesitino Ravutaumada comes in at right wing and Ilaisa Droasese is drafted in at fullback.
In the front row, Sam Matavesi takes over from Tevita Ikanivere at hooker and Luke Tagi is in on the tighthead side.
There are also two changes among the loose forwards as Lekima Tagitagivalu and Albert Tuisue take over on the flanks.
Raiwalui said England would provide a daunting challenge.
“It’s another big physical battle and I think they will try and use their pack to the limit. We have been working on ours. I think they will be very tactical with their kicking. It is going to be a different challenge this weekend,” he added.
Fiji are in Pool C at the World Cup along with Australia, Georgia, Wales and Portugal. They begin their campaign against the Welsh in Bordeaux on September 10 and will face the Wallabies at St Etienne on September 17.
Team: Ilaisa Droasese, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), Semi Radradra, Vinaya Habosi, Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Viliame Mata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Luke Tagi, Sam Matavesi, Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Jone Koroiduadua, Samu Tawake, Temo Mayanavanua, Vilive Miramira, Simione Kuruvoli, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou.