Rugby World Cup: Fiji to field three Aussie-raised players for opening clash against England

THE Wallabies don’t play their first game until next week but Australia will be well represented in the opening match of the World Cup between Fiji and England.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Nemani Nadolo of Fiji runs with the ball during the pre-Rugby World Cup International Friendly match between Fiji and Canada at Twickenham Stoop on September 6, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images)

THE Wallabies don’t play their first game until next week but Australia will be well represented in the opening match of the World Cup between Fiji and England on Saturday morning (EST).

The Fijian side named on Wednesday night contains three Australian-raised players to feature at a sold-out Twickenham against the host nation: Nemani Nadolo, Campese Ma’afu and former Waratah Ben Volavola.

For Volavola, in particular, the game will be a massive moment in a career that appeared to be stalled on the NSW sidelines just six months ago.

Nemani Nadolo looms as a big threat for England.

After debuting for the Tahs in 2013, the 24-year-old fell out of favour with coach Michael Cheika and he didn’t play a single minute of Super Rugby in the past two seasons, despite being a member of the Tahs’ full-time squad.

Volavola elected to declare eligibility for his home nation Fiji (he came to Australia as a teenager) and soon after was signed by powerhouse Kiwi franchise the Crusaders as a replacement for Dan Carter.

He will make his sixth Test appearance for Fiji in a huge match against England.

Alongside him will be Nadolo, a 125kg colossus on the wing and the Fiji side’s biggest star.

Nadolo was raised in Brisbane and was also a member of the Waratahs squad for several years, and was also signed by the Crusaders.

The 27-year-old - whose brother Chris Kuridrani plays for Queensland and cousin Tevita Kuridrani plays for the Wallabies - is now regarded as regarded as one of the world’s most destructive wingers.

Ma’afu is playing in his second World Cup for Fiji after debuting in 2010.

The 30-year-old prop was raised in Sydney and played for West Harbour. His first name was unmistakably a homage to Wallabies legend David Campese.

Ma’afu’s brother Salesi played 14 Tests for the Wallabies and went to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Ben Volavola.will be playing with the Crusaders next year.

The brothers made history in 2010 when they packed down against each other in a Test match between Fiji and Australia. Amazingly, they were both on debut as well.

“I am pleased to be able to announce a very strong line-up for the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2015,” said Fiji coach John McKee.

“We have come through a very good preparation phase and are ready to move into the competition.

“All our players are fit and available for selection. England are a very strong team and will be a difficult opponent at Twickenham. We are looking forward to the challenge of this opening game.

“Our players have trained and played well throughout our preparation and must now step up to the high level and intensity we expect on Friday evening and throughout our pool matches.”

Fiji:

Metuisela Talebula, Waisea Nayacalevu, Niki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Nikola Matawalu; Campese Ma’afu, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Apisalome Ratuinyarawa, Leone Nakarawa, Dominko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera (captain), Sakiusa Masi Matadigo

Replacements: Peni Ravai, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Isei Colati, Tevita Cavubati, Peceli Yato, Nemia Kenatale, Josh Matavesi, Aseli Tikoirotuma

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Fiji to field three Aussie-raised players for opening clash against England