Canada faces Fiji at ANZ Stadium, Suva, Fiji on August 2. Kick-off is 5:15 pm local, 10:15 pm PT and 1:15am ET (Aug 3). Both teams are looking to rebound from opening round losses.
Canada Head Coach Kinsley Jones indicated that “We were able to pull a lot out of that first test against USA. It didn’t go our way obviously, but it being the first time these guys have been put to the test out of camp—we’re focusing on the positives. We were able to find a lot out about each other and what we need to work on for this next match against Fiji.”
Jones added: “There’s still a lot of rugby to be played, this match against Fiji and then Tonga will be huge, and then we have our home games against Leinster and USA. Right now it’s all about working on those unit skills, testing out individuals, and ultimately putting ourselves in the best position possible going into the World Cup.”
Watch Friday’s match LIVE on TSN2, tsn.ca, and the TSN App and in other countries on World Rugby.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach John McKee has made changes to his match day 23 member squad for their second World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match against Canada at Suva’s ANZ Stadium.
Forward changes include experienced props Campese Ma’afu and Peni Ravai in the front row along with Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto at hooker. Leone Nakarawa, a lock, assumes the captaincy, while Dominiko Waqaniburotu takes a break after playing three consecutive matches. Tevita Ratuva and Peceli Yato join the pack with Semi Kunatani and Viliame Mata retaining their places in the sqaud.
In the backs, Henry Seniloli is at half-back while Josh Matavesi comes in at number 10.
Fan favourite Semi Radradra starts with Jale Vatubua in the centre while Eroni Sau and Josua Tuisova play on the wings with Kini Murimurivalu in the full-back position.
Squads
Canada:
Fiji: 1 Campese Ma’afu, 2 Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto 3 Peni Ravai 4 Leone Nakarawa (c) 5 Tevita Ratuva 6 Peceli Yato 7 Semi Kunatani 8 Viliame Mata 9 Henry Seniloli 10 Josh Matavesi 11 Eroni Sau 12 Jale Vatubua 13 Semi Radradra 14 Josua Tuisova 15 Kini Murimurivalu Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Eroni Mawi, Lee-Roy Atalifo, Tevita Cavubati, Mosese Voka, Nikola Matawalu, Ben Volavola, Patrick Osbour
Canada’s Pacific Nations Cup Schedule:
- Canada 19-47 USA
- Canada vs. Fiji, August 2, ANZ Stadium – Suva, Fiji, Kick-off: 1:15am ET(Aug 3)/ 10:15pm PT, Broadcast: TSN2/ TSN.ca
- Canada vs. Tonga, August 8, Churchill Park – Lautoka, Fiji, Kick-off: 11pm ET /8pm PT, Broadcast: TSN
Pre-Rugby World Cup:
- Canada vs. Leinster, August 24, Tim Hortons Field – Hamilton, ON, Kick-off: 3pm ET/ 12pm PT, Broadcast: TBC
- Canada vs. USA, September 7, BC Place – Vancouver, BC, Kick-off: 10pm ET/ 7pm PT, Broadcast: TBC
- Canada vs BC All-Stars, August 30, 2019, Westhills Stadium, Langford, BC, Kick-off: 9:30pm ET / 6:30pm PT
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