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Jake White makes nine changes as Tuisova returns to lead Fiji's Nations Championship bid against Ireland

Fiji head coach Jake White has overhauled his starting XV for Saturday's Nations Championship fixture against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, retaining just six players from the 54-17 defeat to France, with Peceli Yato named captain and Josua Tuisova back in midfield.

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Jake White makes nine changes as Tuisova returns to lead Fiji's Nations Championship bid against Ireland
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Jake White has made nine changes to the Fiji starting XV for their Nations Championship clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, retaining only six players from the side beaten 54-17 by France in Lyon last weekend.

The most significant selection sees back-row powerhouse Peceli Yato handed the captaincy. The former Clermont flanker only returned to international rugby this year after a three-year absence and will lead Fiji from No.8.

Josua Tuisova’s return to the centres is another headline call. The 113 kg powerhouse lines up for his first Test since facing Scotland in July and will partner Setareki Bituniyata, who earns a debut at 31 years old. The former French Pro D2 Player of the Season comes straight into the starting XV in what White described as a fairytale midfield storyline.

The changes extend throughout the pack. Peni Ravai comes in at loosehead prop in place of Saracens’ Eroni Mawi, while Joseva Tamani is introduced to the second row. Mesake Vocevoce, who started in the engine room against France, shifts to blindside flanker as White reshuffles his forward unit. Yato is joined in the back row by Lekima Tagitagivalu. Former England international Nathan Hughes misses out after sustaining an injury on his Fiji debut last weekend.

In the backs, veteran playmaker Ben Volavola is recalled at fly-half and will form a new-look half-back partnership with Frank Lomani. Ponipate Loganimasi comes in at full-back to replace the injured Salesi Rayasi, while wings Selestino Ravutaumada and Jiuta Wainiqolo keep their places.

Fiji XV: 15 Ponipate Loganimasi; 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Setareki Bituniyata, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo; 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani; 1 Peni Ravai, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 3 Luke Tagi, 4 Joseva Tamani, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 6 Mesake Vocevoce, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8 Peceli Yato (captain).

Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Vilikesa Nairau, 18 Inoke Ravuiwasa, 19 Kitione Salawa, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Terio Tamani, 22 Caleb Muntz, 23 Iosefo Masi.

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