Temo Mayanavanua will claim his eighth cap for Fiji this weekend, as the Northampton Saints lock is named in the starting line-up for the side’s clash against Georgia.
The 26-year-old will play his first rugby since helping Saints lift the Gallagher Premiership trophy a month ago, starting in the No. 5 shirt as head coach Mick Byrne names his team for Fiji’s first Test match of 2024.
The match on Friday 5 July (kick-off: 5pm BST) marks the first of two Tests for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, with the clash at Adjarabet Arena, Georgia followed by a tie against New Zealand on Saturday 20 July (kick-off: 4.30am BST).
Head coach Byrne said: “There’s a lot of experience that has come through the forward pack and there’s some stability in the conversation within the team. The enthusiasm from experienced players will boost the morale of the team, especially with the debutants on game day.”
FIJI TEAM TO FACE GEORGIA
15 Ilaisa Droasese
14 Jiuta Wainiqolo
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
12 Inia Tabuavou
11 Peniasi Dakuwaqa
10 Vilimoni Botitu
9 Frank Lomani
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Tevita Ikanivere
3 Mesake Doge
4 Isoa Nasilasila
5 Temo Mayanavanua
6 Lekima Tagitagivalu
7 Kitione Salawa
8 Viliame Mata
Replacements:
16 Zuriel Togiatama
17 Haereiti Hetet
18 Peni Ravai
19 Albert Tuisue
20 Ratu Meli Derenalagi
21 Elia Cakanakaivata
22 Simione Kuruvoli
23 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
