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A number of high profile players have been named for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians team for the opening round of the Pacific Nations Cup match against Japan.

Players like Ben Volavola, Viliame Mata, Semi Kunatani, Leone Nakarawa and Levani Botia make their return this weekend.

Local prop Eroni Mawi starts in the front‑row together with hooker Sam Matavesi and Manasa Saulo.

Leone Nakarawa and Albert Tuisue will partner again in the starting second row while skipper Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Semi Kunatani will be on the flanks.

Viliame Mata returns at number eight..

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All locked in, big weekend ahead for our @fly_fijiairways Flying Fijians as they prepare for the first round of PNC 🇫🇯 v 🇯🇵 #ItsFijisTime

A post shared by Official Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugbyunion) on Jul 24, 2019 at 2:34pm PDT

Frank Lomani comes in at scrum‑half, Ben Volavola at Number 10 while Alivereti Veitokani moves to full‑back.

The powerful combination of Waisea Nayacalevu and Levani Botia strengthens the mid‑field.

Filipe Nakosi starts his third straight match at right wing while Patrick Osbourne will be on the left wing.

Coach John McKee says they are getting further down their journey towards Rugby World Cup and have a stronger understanding of their game plans and their systems.

McKee says he is thrilled to have been able to name such a strong squad for the match against Japan.

The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians face Japan at 5.50pm this Saturday.

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TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 📢 | Here is your Fiji Airways Flying Fijians starting line up for PNC opener against 🇯🇵 Comment below and send our boys some well wishes #itsfijistime🇫🇯 👊

A post shared by Official Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugbyunion) on Jul 24, 2019 at 8:52pm PDT