 Serevi wins his first start of the tournament |
Waisale Serevi has been called up to replace Nicky Little at fly-half for Fiji's World Cup game against Japan on Thursday. Little was handed the number 10 shirt for his side's opening two games of the tournament.
But coach Mac McCallion opted for an overhaul after the Pacific Islanders were overwhelmed 61-18 by France and only edged out the USA by a solitary point in game two.
"Serevi is back because he can inject life, vision and pace into the backline which has been lacking so far," said McCallion.
Fiji start the game with a completely fresh half-back pairing, with Sami Rabaka replacing Moses Rauluni.
"They were the half-backs when we won the 1997 World Cup sevens tournament so they won't need to introduce themselves to each other," added McCallion.
Other changes see wing Marika Vunibaka move on to the bench. His place is taken by Aisea Tuilevu.
Wing rival Rupeni Caucaunibuca is still out for the second part of his two-match suspension.
There are new faces in the pack as well, with props Nacanieli Seru and Isaia Rasila drafted in, while Kele Leawere and Emori Katalau get the nod in the second row.
But McCallion insisted there was little to be read into his selections.
He said: "The level of quality of top Fijian rugby players is pretty even. There is no such thing as a first XV or a second XV."
Team: N Ligairi; A Tuilevu, E Ruivadra, S Rabeni, F Delasau; W Serevi, S Rabaka (Nadi); A Doviverata, K Sewabu, A Mocelutu; K Leawere, E Katalau; N Seru, G Smith, I Rasila
Replacements: B Gadolo, J Veitayaki, S Koyamaibole, V Maimuri, M Rauluni, N Little, M Vunibaka
MMIX
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