Fiji Rugby Head Coach John McKee has named a powerful 27-member traveling squad for the opening match of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup against Japan this coming weekend.

McKee said “We are taking a very strong squad to Japan for the important first round of the PNC.

The nine players who remained in Fiji and missed the final Fiji Airways Pacific Series Test match against the Maori All Blacks have been named in the extended squad.

Eroni Mawi, Manasa Saulo, Mesulame Dolokoto, Leone Nakarawa, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata, Peceli Yato, Ben Volavola and Levani Botia departed Fiji this morning for Japan.

McKee added “The players who remained in Fiji last week under went specific physical conditioning so I expect them to come fitter and fresh this week.

McKee said the players have left behind the 26-17 loss to the Maori All Blacks yesterday and have turned their focus on defending the PNC title.

“We expect Japan to play a very up tempo game. Once again we will have to work very hard in our defensive system and look to dominate the physical collisions,” revealed McKee.

He added that 18 players that were part of the test match yesterday remain with the side.

McKee highlighted that the last two matches against the Maori All Blacks were quite positive for the team.

He said “There have been some good learnings from our two matches against the Maori All Blacks and players have benefited from the physical matches over the past two weeks.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians face Japan at 5.50pm {FJT} at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium next Saturday.

Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad to Japan:

Forwards

1.         Lee-Roy Atalifo

2.         Campese Ma’afu

3.         Eroni Mawi

4.         Peni Ravai

5.         Manasa Saulo

6.         Kalivati Tawake

7.         Mesulame Dolokoto

8.         Ratu Vere Vugakoto

9.         Sam Matavesi

10.       Leone Nakarawa

11.       Apisalome Ratuniyarawa

12.       Albert Tuisue

13.       Semi Kunatani

14.       Viliame Mata

15.       Dominiko Waqaniburotu

16.       Peceli Yato

Backs

17.       Frank Lomani

18.       Henry Seniloli

19.       Alivereti Veitokani

20.       Ben Volavola

21.       Levani Botia

22.       Waisea Nayacalevu

23.       Jale Vatubua

24.       Filipo Nakosi

25.       Patrick Osbourne

26.       Josh Matavesi

27.       Kini Murimurivalu