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Fijian Tela given playmaking duties for Wales match / Photo: Christophe ARCHAMBAULT - AFP
Fijian Tela given playmaking duties for Wales match
Teti Tela was on Thursday handed the heavy playmaking responsibility of starting at fly-half in Fiji's opening Rugby World Cup Pool C match against Wales.
The 32-year-old fills the vacancy left by Caleb Muntz, who was ruled out of the tournament earlier in the week due to a knee injury.
Muntz is a huge loss to the Fijians as he was coming in to the tournament off the back of scoring 15 points in their historic 30-22 win over England at Twickenham last month.
"Obviously it's quite exciting," said Tela.
"Obviously a little bit sad on our part in regards to Caleb, but I'm very excited to get an opportunity to play this first game."
Despite the win over a struggling England side, head coach Simon Raiwalui says Fiji should not be considered favourites.
"When could we ever be called favourites when we're considered a developing country versus a developed country, resources and those sort of things," said Raiwalui.
"We're confident with our preparation, with our group. We never go in thinking we're favourites to win, we're humble.
"We understand Wales is a very good team, they've got a lot of experience so we understand the challenge and we're looking forward to it."
Tela and half-back partner Frank Lomani are among nine of the starting XV who play for Fiji's Super Rugby franchise Fijian Drua.
Six players in the match-day 23 play their club rugby in France: Lekima Tagitagivalu for Pau, Temo Mayanavanua for Lyon, Levani Botia for European champions La Rochelle, Josua Tuisova for Racing 92 and Bayonne pair Sireli Maqala and Luke Tagi.
Exciting centre Semi Radradra has previous experience in French club rugby -- he played for local Top 14 club Bordeaux-Begles -- and will join Lyon after the Fijians' campaign is over.
Radradra's centre partner, captain Waisea Nayacalevu, scored a double against Wales the last time they met in Cardiff in 2021.
The 33-year-old is currently enjoying a three-game try-scoring streak, the longest of his career.
Fiji famously beat Wales in their 2007 World Cup pool match in Nantes, which knocked out the Welsh.
Former Test lock Raiwalui, 48, said little reference had been made to that, the focus was more about replicating it.
"This team is about doing what is the next challenge, how do we improve each week," he said.
"Every day they've been pushing themselves, and we've been pushing them to the limit as well.
"We want to create something for us, for them, for our people to be proud of and we've done a lot of that.
"We understand the challenges of this week and we're looking forward to it."
Team (15-1):
Ilaisa Droasese; Selesitino Ravutaumada, Waisea Nayacalevu (capt), Semi Radradra, Vinaya Habosi; Teti Tela, Frank Lomani; Viliame Mata; Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue; Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila; Luke Tagi, Samuel Matavesi, Eroni Mawi
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Levani Botia, Simione Kuruvoli, Josua Tuisova, Sireli Maqala
Coach: Simon Raiwalui (FIJ)
S.Maiolo--INP
