Former Ratu Navula College student, Sevanaia Galala will make his debut for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians against Samoa in round one of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup this Saturday at ANZ Stadium.

Galala who plays for Brive in France will wear the number 12 jersey and will pair up with Jale Vatubua in the centres.

Apart from Galala, three players will make their debut off the bench.

They include Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto, Eroni Mawi and Alivereti Veitokani.

With European Player of the Year Leone Nakarawa leading the forwards and Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Vereniki Goneva spearheading the backs, the Fijians will be looking to make a flying start to the series.

After an intensive couple of weeks in camp, Fiji 15's Coach, John McKee is pleased with the commitment to training and effort the players have put into their preparations for this series opener.

Aware of the determination Samoa will bring to battle in this series, the Fijian pack including Nakarawa, Campese Ma’afu, Viliame Mata in his first start and Captain Akapusi Qera will have their work cut out against the fierce Manu Samoa scrum.

With size power and skill across the midfield and wings the combination of Goneva, Galala, Vatubua and Benito Masilevu is set to be a threatening force for Fiji.

McKee says the centres have been gelling really well in the short time they have had together and between them they have the ability to play both a direct and expansive game.

Meanwhile, the Samoan side will feature three debutants with the likes of Harlequins number 8 Mat Luamanu, former Samoa 7s speedster Ed Fidow who now plays with the Bordeaux club in France and former Brumbies flyhalf Rodney Iona.

Samoa’s captain, Chris Vui is positive about their preparations despite the short amount of time they had together.

The Flying Fijians will take on Samoa at 3.30pm this Saturday at the ANZ Stadium and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM.

Flying Fijians Team

1. Campese Ma’afu
2. Talemaitoga Tuapati
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Viliame Mata
8. Akapusi Qera (C) 
9. Henry Seniloli
10. Ben Volavola
11. Vereniki Goneva
12. Sevanaia Galala
13. Jale Vatubua
14. Benito Masilevu
15. Kini Murimurivalu

Reserves
16. Ratu Vere Vugakoto
17. Eroni Mawi
18. Ropate Rinakama
19. Sikeli Nabou
20. Nemani Nagusa
21. Serupepeli Vularika
22. Alivereti Veitokani
23. Timoci Nagusa