Pacific Islanders team to play Italy, Saturday Nov 22 [1]
Friday, November 21, 2008 - 18:11. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 19:08.
The Pacific Islanders coach Kutusi Fielea has made seven changes to his team to play Italy at Stadio Griglio, Reggio Emilio on Saturday, November 22.
Kutusi made three changes to the back starting line-up, captain and No. 9 Mosese Rauluni will be on the bench, and leading the PIs on Saturday will be Nili Latu, and Sililo Martens will be wearing the No. 9 jersey.
Kameli Ratuvou will be at fullback and Gavin Williams moves to the bench. Sailosi Tagicakibau will take his place at the wing, replacing Napoliani Nalanga, which has been banned for 22 days by the IRB. Seilala Mapusua will be at No. 13, while Seru Rabeni wait on the bench.
In the forward pack there are four changes to the starting line-up. Justin Va'a returns to the starting line-up at loose-head prop.
In the second row Felipe Levi joins Paino Hehea and they will aim to disrupt the Italian line-out. Nili Latu's ability to secure quick ball at the breakdown will be key for the Islanders to play the fast and expansive game for which they are famous.
Pacific Islanders Team
Kameli Ratuvou (Fiji), Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa), Seilala Mapusua (Samoa), Epi Taione (Tonga), Vilimoni Delasau (Fiji), Seremaia Bai (Fiji), Sililo Martens (Tonga), Sisa Koyamaibole (Fiji), Nili Latu (Tonga/capt), Viliami Vaki (Tonga), Paino Hehea (Tonga), Filipo Levi (Samoa), Kisi Pulu (Tonga), Tanielu Fuga (Samoa), Justin Va'a (Samoa).
Replacements: Sunia Koto (Fiji), Tonga Leaaetoa (Tonga), Semisi Naevo (Fiji), Hale T Pole (Tonga), Mosese Rauluni (Fiji), Seru Rabeni (Fiji), Gavin Williams (Samoa)