McCallion opts for experience

Fiji coach Mac McCallion named an experienced 30-man squad to play in Australia as part of their preparations for the World Cup in October-November.

Several players have been included after a lengthy absence from the team.

They include prop Joe Veitayaki, former Queensland halfback Moses Rauluni and Otago wing Aisea Tuilevu.

The squad also has a few newcomers, with Suva prop Naca Seru and young Navosa winger Sekove Leawere getting the nod.

Highlanders winger Seru Rabeni, fresh from Super 12 duty, also did enough to make the cut, with Alfred Uluinayau, who is playing for Suntory in Japan, making a strong impression in the trials.

Southland winger Norman Ligairi was one unlucky to miss a place.

Not all the players attended the trials, among them Nicky Little, Alifereti Mocelutu and Simon Raiwalui - all playing in England.

Blues speedster Rupeni Caucaunibuca was not considered due to his leg injury, and Blues lock Vula Maimuri is out with a broken foot.

Chiefs hooker Greg Smith was not at the trials but was named in the squad.

Fiji's games are against the Brumbies in Canberra on June 22, the Reds in Brisbane seven days later, Tonga at Lautoka on July 4 and a return test against the Tongans, at Nuku'alofa, on July 11.

* Samoa kick off their preparations for the World Cup with a game against the New Zealand Divisional XV at Pukekohe today.

The Samoans will be looking for a good win against a team drawn from the NPC second and third divisions.

Their programme has them travelling across the Tasman for games against the Waratahs on June 12 and the Reds three days later.

From there, they have a home test against Ireland on June 20 and a four-match tour of South Africa.

The trick for coach John Boe is getting the best out of a squad of players drawn from all points of the compass.

"It's not easy but it is a fantastic coaching challenge because you have players coming from different levels, countries and styles," Boe said.

"But whatever happens we're determined to work hard on playing our own style of game - not the English or New Zealand style, but the Samoan brand."

Ideally, the Samoans would have preferred more games as World Cup buildup, but will have to make do with what has been arranged.

That means a strong performance at Pukekohe today.



"We'll be wanting to just gel as a team and secure the style of game that we're wanting to play." said Boe.

Teams for today's match:

New Zealand Divisional XV:

Tim Manawatu/Steve Dunn, Ray Karauria, Sam Leung-Wai, Jamie Stewart-McDonald, Pila Fifita, Eddie Hekenui, Donovan Hall, Mutu Ngarimu (capt), Germaine Anaha, Michael Johnson, Hayden Triggs, Andrew Milne, Nigel Hall, Mark Stewart, Peter Bielski. Reserves: Grant Henson, Clint Newland, Daniel Alofa, Eric Smith, Charlie Beetham, Simon Porter and Joe Faa'iu.

Samoa: Tanner Vili, Lome Fa'atau, Dale Rasmussen, Ron Fanuatanu, Brian Lima, Earl Va'a, Steven So'ialo, Semi Sititi (capt), Maurie Fa'asavalu, Des Tuiavi'i, Opeta Palepoi, Kitiona Viliamu, Fosi Pala'amo, Moroni Schwalger, Kas Lealamanua. Reserves: Denning Tyrell, Va'aiga Tuigamala, Pama Petia, Tamato Leupolu, Jonathan Meredith, two to be added.

Referee: Gary Wise (Hawkes Bay). Touch judges: Bryce Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) and Greg Watson (North Harbour). Kick-off: 2.35pm.

Fijian squad:

Backs: Sami Rabaka, Moses Rauluni, Waisale Serevi, Joseph Narruhn, Nicky Little, Saimoni Rokini, Seru Rabeni, Epeli Ruivadra, Viliame Satala, Aisea Tuilevu, Sekove Leawere, Vilimoni Delasau, Isaac Mow, Alfred Uluinayau, Atonio Nariva.

Forwards: Richard Nyholt, Isaia Rasila, Greg Smith, Joe Veitayaki, Naca Seru, Simon Raiwalui, Api Naevo, Emori Katalau, Kele Leawere, Sisa Koyamaibole, Alivereti Mocelutu, Kitione Salawa, Koli Sewabu, Setareki Tawake, Alivereti Doviverata. Reserves: Paula Biu, Jo Bale.

- NZPA