Fiji U20’s Baselala, Ravula Combo For Pool Opener

The exciting halves combination of the Fiji Under-20 side holds the key in early Sunday morning’s (Fiji time) opening clash at Australia in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Fiji U20 head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has named Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Philip Baselala at halfback with Hurricanes Academy’s Isaiah Ravula at first-five eighth.

Baselala and Fiji U20 captain Motikai Murray made their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Drua in this season’s competition.

Ravula is the nephew of Crusaders and All Blacks star first-five eighth Richie Mo’unga.

At second-five eighth is Hurricanes U20 utility back Waqa Nalaga. He is the younger brother of former star Flying Fijian winger Napolioni Nalaga while their dad Kavekini starred for Fiji at the 1987 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The match kicks off at 2.30am.

Line-up

Fiji U20: 1. Moses McGoon, 2. Kavaia Tagivetaua, 3. Breyton Legge, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Nalani May, 6. Timoci Nakalevu, 7. Motikai Murray (captain), 8. Judah Saumaisue, 9. Philip Baselala, 10. Isaiah Ravula, 11. Bronson Lee, 12. Waqa Nalaga, 13. Maika Kamikamica, 14. Sireli Masiwini, 15. Peni Waqalala.

Reserves: 16. Joeli Nainoca, 17. Siti Tamani, 18, Emosi Natubailagi, 19. Waisea Tudulu, 20, Sakenasa Nalasi, 21. Netava Saukuru, 22. Frank Ralogaivau, 23. Pateresio Finau.

Australia U20: 15 Mason Gordon, 14 Ronan Leahy, 13 Taj Annan, 12 David Vaihu, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 9 Klayton Thorn, 8 Leafi Talataina, 7 Nick Baker (c), 6 Lachlan Hooper, 5 Daniel Maiava, 4 Toby Macpherson, 3 Nick Bloomfield, 2 Liam Bowron, 1 Marley Pearce

Reserves: 16 Harrison Usher, 17 Max Craig, 18 Trevor King, 19 Ollie McCrea, 20 Ned Slack-Smith, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Bowen, 23 Henry O’Donnell

Referee: Takehito Namekawa (Japan)

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