Despite a last-ditch attempt to show defiance and name a military officer as part of Fiji's rugby world cup line-up, the illegal and treasonous military regime stacked rugby body, the FRU, knows the score and back-pedal furiously in a face-saving measure.
Rugby: Fiji keeps on side with NZ Government in naming test squad
By Steve Hepburn on Tue, 19 Jul 2011
Fiji has sidestepped any standoff with the New Zealand Government and not named army private Leone Nakarawa in its squad to take on the All Blacks at Carisbrook on Friday night.
Nakarawa, who is not eligible to enter New Zealand because of his military connections, was named in Fiji's 35-man initial World Cup squad last week, but is not travelling to Dunedin.
Former Otago lock Seko Kalou will be one of the locks in the Fijian side which will take the field, fresh off a disappointing 24-13 loss to Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup decider last week.
Fiji is also without backrower Sisa Koyamaibole, who was suspended for two weeks, and reserve flyhalf Waisea Luveniyali, who was suspended for four weeks, after being sent off in the match against Japan.
The experienced Nicky Little is unavailable for the side because of bruised ribs and has been replaced by the French-based playmaker Seremaia Bai.
Vice-captain Gabriel Lovobalavu, Kini Murimurivalu and Talemaitoga Tuapati were unavailable because of injury.
Fiji is captained by former Waikato forward Dominiko Waqaniburotu.
The Fijians do not arrive in Dunedin until late tomorrow and will have just one training run, at Carisbrook on Thursday, before the game on Friday.
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