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Fiji v Cook Islands: Bula set for debut; Marsters new halfback

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The Bati head into the Pacific Championships on a high after a stellar showing at last year's World Cup where they eventually bowed out in an epic quarter-final against New Zealand.

After a first-up loss to Australia, big wins over Italy and Scotland propelled Fiji into the quarters where they led 18-6 early in the second half and pushed the Kiwis to the brink before succumbing 24-18.

Five members of the starting side from that game in Hull are back in Fiji colours for this clash, including Panthers flyer Sunia Turuva and new captain Tui Kamikamica but star hooker Api Koroisau (calf) is unavailable while rising Rooster Siua Wong has been chosen to play for Tonga.

Cook Islands found the going tough in a 46-10 loss to the Kumuls on Sunday but they'll be all the better for the run and will look to hit back hard.

A slow start proved costly for Brad Taikarangi's men with three tries conceded in the first 15 minutes so they will need to muscle up in defence early to avoid a similar scenario this weekend.

Team News

Fiji: Dally M rookie of the year Sunia Turuva will play centre with experienced duo Maika Sivo and Mikaele Ravalawa on the wings. Wests Tigers young gun Jahream Bula makes his Test debut at fullback with his club teammate Brandon Wakeham in the No.7 in his eighth Test for the Bati. Storm big man Tui Kamikamica takes over as captain from Kevin Naiqama. Experienced Rabbitoh Taane Milne lines up for his 11th Test as part of a forward pack that includes debutants Gordon Whippy (Ipswich Jets), and Kitione Kautiga (Bulldogs) and Caleb Navale (Sea Eagles).

Cook Islands: Esan Marsters moves to halfback in place of Tevin Arona (facial fracture) and Alvin Maungaati comes into the centres. William Samuel comes in at prop in place of Makahesi Makatoa, who suffered a suspected pectoral injury against the Kumuls. Back-rower Reuben Porter ran for 152 metres against the Kumuls and will again look to lead the way alongside Davvy Moale and Zane Tetevano. The new 18th Man is Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Fiji Bati is number 1 Jahream Bula
    Fullback for Cook Islands Aitu is number 1 Esom Ioka
  • Winger for Fiji Bati is number 2 Maika Sivo
    Winger for Cook Islands Aitu is number 2 Malachi Morgan
  • Centre for Fiji Bati is number 3 Sunia Turuva
    Centre for Cook Islands Aitu is number 3 Kayal Iro
  • Centre for Fiji Bati is number 4 Waqa Blake
    Centre for Cook Islands Aitu is number 4 Alvin Maungaati
  • Winger for Fiji Bati is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa
    Winger for Cook Islands Aitu is number 5 Steven Marsters
  • Five-Eighth for Fiji Bati is number 6 Kurt Donoghoe
    Five-Eighth for Cook Islands Aitu is number 6 Brad  Takairangi
  • Halfback for Fiji Bati is number 7 Brandon Wakeham
    Halfback for Cook Islands Aitu is number 7 Esan Marsters

Forwards

  • Prop for Fiji Bati is number 8 Tui Kamikamica
    Prop for Cook Islands Aitu is number 8 Davvy Moale
  • Hooker for Fiji Bati is number 14 Noah Nailagoliva
    Hooker for Cook Islands Aitu is number 9 Rua Ngatikaura 
  • Prop for Fiji Bati is number 16 Gordon Whippy
    Prop for Cook Islands Aitu is number 17 Takai Mokohar
  • 2nd Row for Fiji Bati is number 11 Kitione Kautoga
    2nd Row for Cook Islands Aitu is number 11 Zane Tetevano
  • 2nd Row for Fiji Bati is number 13 Taane Milne
    2nd Row for Cook Islands Aitu is number 12 Reuben Porter
  • Lock for Fiji Bati is number 15 Caleb Navale
    Lock for Cook Islands Aitu is number 13 Pride  Petterson-Robati

Interchange

  • Interchange for Fiji Bati is number 9 Penioni Tagituimua
    Interchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 10 William Samuel
  • Interchange for Fiji Bati is number 12 Apisalome Saukuru
    Interchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 14 Kadiyae Ioka
  • Interchange for Fiji Bati is number 17 Watisoni Waqanisaravi
    Interchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 15 Rhys Dakin
  • Interchange for Fiji Bati is number 20 Sirilo Lovokuro
    Interchange for Cook Islands Aitu is number 16 Justin Estall-Makirere 

Reserves

  • Replacement for Fiji Bati is number 21 Pio Seci
  • Reserve for Cook Islands Aitu is number 18 Isaiah  Cooper-Tetevano

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ashley Klein
  • Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
  • Touch Judge: Todd Smith
  • Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • Sunia Turuva scored a double on Test debut for Fiji against PNG in 2022 and has three tries in five Tests for Fiji.
  • Fiji and Cook Islands have clashed 11 times with the Bati holding a 6-5 advantage. Their last meeting was in 2009 in Port Moresby.
  • Akuila Uate holds the record for most tries in Tests for Fiji with 14.

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