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Fiji coach White swings axe and names experienced halves pairing

Peceli Yato has been named to captain Fiji this weekend.
Peceli Yato has been named to captain Fiji this weekend.MATTHIEU RONDEL / AFP

Fiji have retained only six starters from last ⁠week’s loss to France in their line-up to take on Ireland in the ‌Nations Championship in Dublin on Saturday.

Hooker Tevita Ikanivere ‌keeps his place but new coach ‌Jake White on Thursday handed the captain’s armband ‌to number eight Peceli Yato, who ‌returned to the Fiji side this year after three years out of international rugby.

There ‌is a debut at centre for ⁠31-year-old Setareki ‌Bituniyata, who was named Player of the Season ​in the last French second division campaign, as he pairs up with ​Josua Tuisova.

Peni Ravai comes into the front row in place of Eroni ⁠Mawi while Joseva ​Tamani replaces Mesake Vocevoce, who switches to flanker, in the second row.

Yato and Lekima Tagitagivalu complete a new-look loose forward ‌trio. Former England international Nathan Hughes was injured on his debut in the 54-17 loss to France in Lyon and drops out.

The 35-year-old Ben Volavola and Frank Lomani are a new halfback pairing while Ponipate Loganimasi replaces the injured Salesi Rayasi at fullback.

Fiji team:

Starters: 15-Ponipate Loganimasi, 14-Selestino ‌Ravutaumada, 13-Setareki Bituniyata, 12-Josua Tuisova, 11-Jiuta ​Wainiqolo, 10-Ben Volavola, 9-Frank Lomani, 8-Peceli Yato (captain), ‌7-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6-Mesake Vocevoce, 5-Isoa Nasilasila, 4-Joseva Tamani, 3-Luke Tagi, 2-Tevita Ikanivere, 1-Peni Ravai

Replacements: 16-Zuriel Togiatama, 17-Vilikesa Nairau, 18-Inoke Ravuiwasa, 19-Kitione Salawa, 20-Elia Canakaivata, 21-Terio ⁠Tamani, 22-Caleb Muntz, ⁠23-Iosefo Masi.

Ireland team:

Starters: 15-Mack Hansen, 14-Rob ‌Baloucoune, 13-Jamie Osborne, 12-Bundee Aki, 11-Tommy O’Brien, ​10-Sam Prendergast, 9-Jamison Gibson-Park, 8-Nick Timoney, 7-Josh ‌van der Flier, 6-Ryan Baird, 5-Tadhg Beirne (captain), 4-James Ryan, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 2-Ronan Kelleher, 1-Andrew Porter

Replacements: 16-Tom Stewart, 17-Tom O'Toole, 18-Sam Illo, 19-Darragh Murray, 20-James McNabney, 21-Craig Casey, ⁠22-Ciaran Frawley, ⁠23-Stuart McCloskey

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