Temo Mayanavanua will claim his ninth Fiji cap this weekend, as the Northampton Saints lock is named amongst the starting line-up to face New Zealand on Saturday (20 July, kick-off: 4.30am BST).
The 26-year-old will become the seven Saint to face off against the All Blacks this summer, with club teammates Alex Coles, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Ollie Sleightholme and Fin Smith already having faced off with New Zealand earlier this month.
Fiji began their two-Test summer campaign with a 21-12 victory over Georgia but now head to the USA to round off their matches at the Snap Dragon Arena in San Diego.
“We’ve had a great opportunity to bond as a team here in San Diego, and the players have adapted well to the conditions,” said Fiji head coach Mick Byrne. “We know the challenge ahead against the All Blacks, but we are focused on our strengths and what we can bring to the game.
“Physicality will be a key aspect of our game plan. We’ve worked hard to sharpen our set pieces and improve our defensive structure.”
FIJI SIDE TO FACE NEW ZEALAND
15 Vilimoni Botitu
14 Jiuta Wainiqolo
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
12 Inia Tabuavou
11 Semi Radradra
10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravu
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 Samu Tawake
19 Albert Tuisue
20 Elia Canakaivata
21 Simione Kuruvoli
22 Caleb Muntz
23 Sireli Maqala
