Matavesi and Ratuniyarawa in for Fiji's clash with Spain

Northampton Saints duo Sam Matavesi and Api Ratuniyarawa have been named in the matchday 23 for Fiji as head coach Gareth Baber names his side to take on Spain on Saturday (6 November, kick-off: 4pm). 

Hooker Matavesi starts for the Flying Fijians as they begin their autumn internationals in Madrid this weekend, with the Saints hooker looking to add to his 17 caps to date in Spain; while Ratuniyarawa – who was added to the Fiji squad earlier this week – will hope to make his 36th international appearance on Saturday.

Head coach Baber said: “We have got three test matches to play and all our focus is getting positive outcomes from each of those games. The staff has bonded well with the players and the players are showing a great level of maturity in the fact that, obviously, we need to be disciplined with our behavior around COVID-19 and the restrictions we have.

“The strength that we have is physical ball carriers, players who are going to gain line for us and big men who could win lineouts and create pressure in the game for the opposition.”

FLYING FIJIANS vs SPAIN
Saturday 6 November, 2021
Estadio Nacional Universidad Complutense, Madrid
Kick-off: 4pm (GMT)

15 Setarki Tuicuvu
14 Jiuta Wainiqolo
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
12 Vilimoni Botitu
11 Aminiasi Tuimaba
10 Ben Volavola
9 Nikola Matawalu

1 Eroni Mawi
2 Sam Matavesi
3 Mesake Doge
4 Tevita Ratuva
5 Temo Mayanavanua
6 Leone Nakarawa
7 Mesulame Kunavula
8 Albert Tuisue

Replacements:
16 Henry Spring
17 Peni Ravi
18 Leeroy Atalifo
19 Api Ratuniyarawa
20 Viliame Mata
21 Masivesi Dakuwaqa
22 Josua Tuisova
23 Eroni Sau