Dramatic return for Rawaqa

Fijian second rower Ifereimi Rawaqa will make a dramatic return to Test rugby when he plays against France in their opening World Cup clash in Brisbane on Sunday, just a few weeks after being apparently ruled out of the tournament with a prolapsed disc.

The 23-year-old Lautoka skipper was named at lock, alongside Api Naevo, by coach Mac McCallion and will carry a huge weight of responsibility as he goes up against the French combination of Jerome Thion and 80-cap veteran Fabien Pelous.

McCallion revealed Rawaqa had had to fight hard for his place before eventually edging Kele Leawere onto the bench.

“We had them bracketed throughout the week and only about an hour ago we decided who was going to run on,” said McCallion, who kept faith with Rawaqa after the injury in training in September despite medical advice that he would miss the World Cup.

“We were training in Nadi at the time and we sent him with our medical staff to Suva for an X-ray and he was diagnosed with a prolapsed disc,” he said.

“We were told then he was going to be out of the World Cup. But in the following few days, we decided to hold off and he made a miraculous recovery.”

Rawaqa’s comeback will mean a pair of medical ‘miracles’ take the field for the match as France have selected centre Tony Marsh, who will be playing his first Test back after successful treatment for testicular cancer.

McCallion has left sevens superstar Waisale Serevi on the bench, but tipped the versatile French-based playmaker to make a big impact.

“Waisale Serevi can play at least three and he can probably play four or five positions if it comes to the crunch. So he is a vital part of this team and he’ll probably come off the bench at some stage.”

One Fijian player who will relish playing at the Suncorp Stadium - formerly known as Lang Park and an iconic location for Queensland and Australia sport - is prop Richard Nyholt.

Although born in Lautoka, the 28-year-old grew up near Brisbane from the age of 10 and is delighted to be able to play at the the stadium.

“I guess for a lot of people, watching me run out and play for Fiji, maybe 10 years ago living on the Gold Coast they probably would have laughed,” said Nyholt.

“However, it’s been a dream for me for a number of years and when I found out that the World Cup was here, there wasn’t any greater motivation.

“Taking part in the World Cup is an amazing feeling, and being here, I guess in my current home town, is just even more surreal.”

Super 12 try-scoring sensation Rupeni Caucau is on the right wing, while Saracens fly-half Nicky Little takes the number 10 shirt. The team is captained by Yamaha number eight Alifereti Doviverata.

Fiji: N Ligairi (Yamaha); V Delesau (Yamaha), A Tuilevu (Otago), S Rabeni (Alambra Rugby Club), R Caucau (Auckland); N Little (Saracens), M Rauluni (Easts); R Nyholt (Queensland University), G Smith (Waikato), J Veitayaki (Calton Grammar), I Rawaqa (Vuda), A Naevo (Calton Grammar), S Koyamaibole (Nadroga), K Salawa (Nadi), A Doviverata (Yamaha).

Replacements: B Gadolo (Lomaiviti), N Seru (Lomaiviti), K Leawere (Ruatoria), K Sewabu (Yamaha), S Rabaka (Nadi), W Serevi (Mont-de-Marsan), M Vunibaka (Canterbury).