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Jake White names first Fiji XV with SVNS star Tamani handed starting debut against Japan

Jake White has selected his first team as Flying Fijians head coach for Saturday's Japan Centennial Test in Tokyo, with HSBC SVNS Series scrum-half Terio Tamani earning his first Test start alongside the returning Ben Volavola on the bench.

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Jake White names first Fiji XV with SVNS star Tamani handed starting debut against Japan
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Jake White has named his first squad as Fiji head coach for the Japan Centennial Test at Tokyo’s Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, handing HSBC SVNS Series standout Terio Tamani a place in the starting XV at scrum-half.

Tamani previously made his Test debut during the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, but this weekend marks his first appearance in the run-on side. He will partner Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the halves as Fiji look to bounce back from a PNC Final defeat to Japan at the same venue — a result that ended their reign as Pacific Nations Cup champions.

White, the Rugby World Cup-winning coach, was appointed Fiji’s new head coach earlier this month, replacing interim boss Senirusi Seruvakaula. The Centennial Test represents his first opportunity to put his stamp on the Flying Fijians.

In the backs, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens starts at fullback with Joji Nasova and Nacani Boginsoko on the wings. Isikeli Rabitu and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre form the centre partnership. Ben Volavola, who has not featured for Fiji in approximately three years, has been named among the replacements and could make a long-awaited return.

Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere packs down at hooker alongside loosehead Peni Ravai and tighthead Inoke Ravuiwasa. Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila start in the second row. In the back row, Kitione Salawa — who scored just 21 seconds into the PNC semi-final win over Canada — starts at openside, with Aporosa Vuniyayawa on the blindside and Motikiai Murray at number eight.

White has opted for a 5-3 split on the replacements bench.

Flying Fijians XV to face Japan: Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Inoke Ravuiwasa, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Aporosa Vuniyayawa, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Terio Tamani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Joji Nasova, Isikeli Rabitu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Nacani Boginsoko, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Replacements: Kavais Tagivetaua, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Vilive Miramira, Peni Naruma, Frank Lomani, Ben Volavola, Kavekini Boselawa.

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