Sport: Fiji name squad for New Zealand trip

Posted at 23:16 on 18 July, 2011 UTC

Nine local players have been included in Fiji’s 24 man squad to travel to New Zealand to face the All Blacks this Friday.

Sekonaia Kalou and Taniela Rawaqa are among the Fiji-based selections, while army lock Leone Nakarawa was not selected, and will instead feature in the two-test series against Tonga.

The Flying Fijians ended their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a disappointing loss to Japan last week, in a match where they conceded an international record two red and three yellow cards.

Head coach, Samu Domoni, says a test against the best team in the world compliments their Rugby World Cup preparations perfectly, with just three matches before they open their world cup campaign against Namibia in September.

The last time the two sides met was six years ago, with the All Blacks winning 91-0.

The test is a fundraiser for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.