Fiji opt for old heads to take on the Welsh

Fiji will field their most experienced side in a Rugby World Cup match after coach John McKee was forced to make six changes for Thursday’s clash with Wales at Millennium Stadium.

However, injuries and ill-discipline are having an effect on the side and were the main cause of the changes, McKee said.

The run-on side, with captain Akapusi Qera becoming only the third player to reach 50 internationals for Fiji, will feature 392 caps, one more than when Fiji played England in the tournament opener.

Newly called-up wing Timoci Nagusa, who has flourished at Top 14 outfit Montpellier since he moved there from Ulster in 2010, comes straight in at right-wing in place of the injured Waisea Nayacalevu.

Qera and hooker Sunia Koto will both play against Wales for a record fifth time, equalling the record held by Seremaia Bai who, along with the now retired Nicky Little are the only other Fijians to play 50 Tests.

The last time the two teams met, a 17-13 win to Wales last November, loosehead prop Campbell Ma’afu was red-carded after being shown a second yellow.