This will be Uruguay’s fourth test against the Pacific Islands opposition.
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“After losing a few of the boys against Italy – Rhys and Leigh – three weeks ago, we said to all the backs that in the next six weeks they were going to be asked to play in positions they are really unfamiliar with”. Only one member of Uruguay’s match-day party has scored a Rugby World Cup try – Lemoine himself, against eventual champions England back in 2003.
Fiji beat Wales at the 2007 World Cup, their only win over the Welsh in 10 meetings, but McBryde said the mentality in the side now was completely different.
“Under the Rugby World Cup 2015 Disciplinary Programme, a Citing Commissioner Warning equates to a yellow card in sanction”, read a statement from the organisers.
“On Monday morning when the players come in they will be ready to go straight away”.
However, it will be a tough challenge for Uruguay to overcome Fiji, with giant wing Nemani Nadolo returning from a suspension.
The Vodafone Flying Fijians will fancy their chances of picking up their first win of the Rugby World Cup 2015 in tomorrow’s clash with Uruguay.
Despite already being eliminated, this Rugby World Cup Fiji have enjoyed more success in the scrum, completed more passes per game and won more turnovers than England. “I was knackered in the first half”, Wales captain Sam Warburton reporters at the Millennium Stadium. He is one of only four professional players in this squad.
“Our aim is to develop a team that can qualify for the RWC and which has better ability on the pitch, as well as growing the sport of rugby”.
McKee, though, says for the long-term future the Fijians required a substantial investment so they could develop their younger age teams.
“They are a very physical team”, McBryde told a news conference. Kini Murimurivalu replaces full-back for Metuisela Talebula, while the pack sees two changes: Apisalome Ratuniyarawa replaces Tevita Cavubati in the second row and Sakiusa Matadigo is in for Netani Talei at number eight.
For the Uruguay coach Pablo Lemoine, moreover, there is further incentive. Fiji conceded 20 turnovers to Wales’ 13.
Uruguay: G Mieres; S Gibernau, J Prada, A Vilaseca, R Silva; A Duran, A Ormaechea; A Nieto, M Beer, JM Gaminara, J Zerbino, S Vilaseca (capt), M Sagario, C Arboleya, A Corral.
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Replacements: German Kessler, Oscar Duran, Mateo Sanguinetti, Mathias Palomeque, Franco Lamanna, Juan De Freitas, Jeronimo Etcheverry, Francisco Bulanti.
