Fiji have strengthened their squad for the Epson Cup clash with Canada here Friday with Queensland Reds halfback Jacob Rauluni joining the party and World Cup star Vili Satala flying in Monday morning.
Rauluni will challenge his younger brother Moses for the starting spot, while Satala will likely find a replace Saimoni Rokini at outside centre.
Rauluni, capped 23 times for his country, picked up an ankle injury in the 2nd minute of the loss to Samoa on 3 June but begins training with the squad on Monday.
Satala, capped 11 times, scored four tries at last year's World Cup and was widely recognised as one of the best No.13s of the tournament. His French club Mont-de-Marsan would not release him for the earlier Epson Cup rounds.
Naitasiri centre Kameli Tilalati will return to Fiji on Monday.
Profiles:
Jacob Rauluni (halfback). Brisbane Easts & Queenland Reds (Australia).
25/06/72. 1m78. 92kg. 23 caps.
Strong, fast and committed tackler who plays for Reds in the Super 12. Speedy recycler with excellent vision. Played for Australian Schoolboys and Colts before choosing Fiji. Earned first cap against Canada in 1995. Played all four of Fiji's RWC99 games. First cousin of Waisale Serevi.
Viliame Satala (centre). Lautoka, & Mont-de-Marsan (France). 1m86. 100kg. 11 caps. Fiji's trump card. Tremendously strong, quick centre with wicked sidestep. Played at 1994 Hong Kong Sevens, but got overlooked at 15s until tour of UK in late 1998. Played in all five Epson Cup matches in 1999, and all four of Fiji's RWC99 matches when he scored four tries. Captained Lautoka until he went to France in November last year.