“Next Generation of Rugby Stars Set to Debut for Fiji and Italy”
Fiji’s Kitione Salawa will make his Test debut this weekend, joining Italy’s new call-up Matt Gallagher, both sons of famous rugby players. Salawa, an openside flanker like his father, is one of three uncapped players in new head coach Mick Byrne’s squad for Saturday’s match against Georgia, alongside Peniasi Dakuwaqa and Inia Tabuavou. Salawa senior earned six caps for Fiji and played in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Gallagher, debuting against Samoa, is the son of former All Blacks full-back John Gallagher.
After an 11-month shoulder injury layoff, 23-year-old Salawa excelled for the Fijian Drua this season. Dakuwaqa, known for his dynamic running at Stade Français, and Tabuavou, playing as a centre for Racing 92 in France, have also been highlighted by Byrne.
Sevens international Elia Canakaivata and World Rugby U20 Championship graduate Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are potential debutants, named among the replacements.
In the forwards, Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere, and Mesake Doge form the front row, with Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua at lock. Lekima Tagitagivalu is on the blindside, Salawa at openside, and Viliame Mata at No.8.
With Caleb Muntz out due to injury, Vilimoni Botitu starts at fly-half, partnering with scrum-half Frank Lomani. Waisea Nayacalevu captains from outside centre, paired with Tabuavou, while Dakuwaqa and Jiuta Wainiqolo are on the wings and Ilaisa Droasese at full-back. Fiji aims to replicate last year’s 17-12 victory at the Rugby World Cup 2023, where they overcame a 9-0 halftime deficit and two sin-bins.
Fiji team to play Georgia in Batumi on Saturday, July 6:
15. Ilaisa Droasese; 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (C), 12. Inia Tabuavou*, 11. Peniasi Dakuwaqa*; 10. Vilimoni Botitu, 9. Frank Lomani; 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Kitione Salawa*, 8. Viliame Mata
Replacements: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Albert Tuisue, 20. Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 21. Elia Canakaivata**, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
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