The Vodafone Fijian Bati are a step closer from joining Group A in next year’s Oceania Cup Test.

The Kevin Naiqama-captained side needs to contain the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in today’s clash at Christchurch, New Zealand if they are to progress. The Fijians need not to lose by 22 points in today’s encounter.

To boost their campaign Bati head coach Brandon Costin has included Parramatta Eels winger Maika Sivo to that starting line-up.

Sivo had to sit out on the clash against Toa Samoa as he was serving a one-match suspension.

Star Bati playmaker Brandon Wakeham starts at first half.

According to NRL.com, the Savusavu youngster is a key player in shaping the team’s performance against a dominant Kumuls side.

History favours the Kumuls as the Bati side have only won two of their seven Test matches over two decades.

Costin said he’ confident of the players playing their hearts out and not relying on last week’s performance.

The team to top Group B (Samoa, PNG, Fiji) will be promoted to Group A to join Tonga and New Zealand in 2020. The Oceania Cup Test is important because it also acts as a 2021 World Cup qualifier and placement.

The match is shown live on Fiji One at 4.20 pm.

LINE- UP

1. Siti Moceidreke, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Brayden Williame, 5. Suliasi Vunivalu, 6, Kevin Naiqama, 7. Brandon Wakeham, 8. Kane Evans, 9, Joey Lovodua, 10. Tui Kamikamica, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Ben Nakubuwai, 13. D’Rys Miller, 14. Josefa Ratu, 15. King Vuniyayawa, 16. Lamar Liovavave, 17. Penioni Tagituimua, 18. Isaac Lumelume.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj