Fiji team to play Georgia | Autumn Nations Cup

After the pool matches against France, Italy and Scotland were called off due to the Flying Fijians team being hit with COVID-19 and being in quarantine, Cotter said they are fortunate to be playing their final match in the ANC.

Cotter said “What we have lived through is difficult and in this kind of situations people grow and become better individuals and they have time to think and reflect.

"I think we have been able to do that as individuals and also as a team.”

Nine players will earn their first cap for the Flying Fijians. Flank-ers Johnny Dyer and Mesulame Kunavula together with Lock Temo Mayanavanua have been named in the starting line-up while Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hatet, Samuela Tawake, Chris Minimbi, Manueli Ratuniyarawa and Simione Kuruvoli have been named on the bench.

He has maintained the halves combination of Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola and Nemani Nadolo returns on the left wing and will be assisting Volavola with the kicking.

Powerful Josua Tuisova will be on the right wing while Semi Ra-dradra and Levani Botia will control the midfield and full-back Kini Murimurivalu will guide the team from the back.

Cotter said “We have a very established backline who have played together for many tests and I expect them to be lethal if given quality possession”

Semi Radradra has been named the captain of the side.

1. Peni Ravai

2. Samuel Matavesi

3. Mesake Doge

4. Tevita Ratuva

5. Temo Mayanavanu

6. Johnny Dyer

7. Mesulame Kunavula

8. Albert Tuisue

9. Frank Lomani

10. Ben Volavola

11. Nemani Nadolo

12. Levani Botia

13. Semi Radradra

14. Josua Tuisova

15. Kini Murimurivalu

Reserves

16. Tevita Ikanivere

17. Haereiti Hetet

18. Samuela Tawake

19. Chris Minimbi

20. Manueli Ratuniyarawa

21. Simione Kuruvoli

22. Seru Vularika

23. Waisea Nayacalevu

One year on, let's look at who he picked:

Position: Hooker

Age: 30

How's he doing? George has continued to star for England and is 1/20 to make the 2021 squad. Almost the first name on the team sheet right now following his hat-trick against Georgia.

DID YOU KNOW? He is an Aston Villa fan with his current favourite player being Jack Grealish.

Position: Lock/Back-row

Age: 26

How's he doing? Still one of the best in the world. Definitely a certainty.

DID YOU KNOW? Gloucester speedster Ollie Thorley is Itoje’s cousin, after his grandfather re-married a Nigerian woman who is the Saracens lock’s aunt.

Position: Flanker:

Age: 22

How's he doing? His performances across 2019 saw him nominated for the World Rugby player of the year. His stock has continued to rise since then. A certainty.

DID YOU KNOW? Tom studied at Oundle School – where the master in charge of rugby was their uncle and former England international John Olver.

Position: Back-three

Age: 26

How's he doing? Injury has ravaged his year, although he did make his return for England against Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup. Outstanding on his day, but not a certainty for the squad right now.

DID YOU KNOW? His uncle, Mark Watson, was one of the Concorde pilots. His two brothers, Marcus (Wasps) & Callum (Loughborough Students) are also rugby players

Position: Centre

Age: 29

How's he doing? Ruled out until at least May with an achilles injury, his chances of touring are starting to fade.

DID YOU KNOW? He became England’s youngest RWC player at 20 years and 115 days against Argentina, being 15 days younger than Jonny Wilkinson, who set the record in 1999.