Preview: Fiji v Samoa
Sireli Naqelevuki: fiji's new centre
Pacific pride will be at stake when Fiji and Samoa come face to face in Lautoka on Saturday, the World Cup quarter-finalists seeking to avenge an 8-3 loss in last year's competition, just as the Samoans will want Niko Palamo's reign as national coach to start with a win.
Palamo has selected a number of locally based players in the squad and with the likes of Samoa Sevens stars Lolo Lui, Alafoti Fa'osiliva, Reupena Levasa and Uale Mais available for selection for subsequent games, competition for places will hot up in the weeks to come.
"We basically know what Fiji's going to throw at us, so we've picked a team that has the ability to counter Fiji's strengths and exploit weaknesses," explained Palamo. "The game plan we'll showcase in Lautoka will be different. That's all I can say except that the public will see some things for the first time in rugby. It'll be an exciting brand of rugby.
"I'm happy with where our team preparation is at. We have a good mix of experienced forwards and some new faces and attitude in an exciting young backline. Keep a look out for second five eighth Samasoni Moala. He has the potential to be a world class inside back with his strength and offloading skills.
"Our aim for 2008 is to maintain our position as the top Pacific nations in the tournament. That means holding off Tonga, Fiji and Japan. We have the players to knock off the NZ Maoris and Australia A as well but we'll maintain a level of realistic expectation. If we perform above that level, we'll take it and would have earned it."
Fiji have made a few surprise selections, with Gloucester's Akapusi Qera left on the bench for the match. Saracens full-back Kameli Ratouvu and Stormers wing Sireli Naqelevuki are the centre combination.
Fiji: 15 Taniela Rawaqa, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Sireli Naqelevuki, 12 Kameli Ratuvou, 11 Vilimoni Delasau, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Mosese Rauluni, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Aca Ratuva, 6 Semisi Naevo, 5 Kele Leawere, 4 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 3 Jone Railomo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Graham Dewes.
Replacements: 16 Vereniki Sauturaga, 17 Viliame Seuseu, 18 Wame Lewaravu, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Aporosa Vata, 21 Jonetani Ralulu, 22 Marika Vakacegu.
Samoa: 15 Esera Lauina, 14 David Lemi, 13 Paletuatoa Toelupe, 12 Samasoni Moala, 11 Henry Faafili, 10 Roger Warren, 9 Notise Tauafao, 8 George Stowers, 7 Bell Sasulu, 6 Raymond Stowers, 5 Chad Slade, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Evile Telea.
Replacements: 16 Mullufi Salanoa, 17 Heroshi Tea, 18 Semo Sititi, 19 Jonathan Faamatuainu, 20 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 21 Gasolo Salima, 22 Neli Sasulu.
Date: Saturday June 7
Kick-off: 14:00 (06:00 GMT)
Venue: Lautoka
Referee: Keith Brown (NZRU)
With thanks to the IRB