Robust Waisea Nayacalevu has replaced former captain Vereniki Goneva at outside centre in one of the seven changes made by Vodafone Flying Fijians head coach John McKee to battle against Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup final today.
The France-based flyer will partner Gabiriele Lovobalavu as McKee selected his strongest side to tackle the physical Samoans.
He said the team named reflected the importance of the Samoa game balancing game-time for the players in the lead-up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
McKee believed the players selected would put an end to the below par second half performance the side displayed against the Maori All Blacks, Samoa and Japan earlier this season.
"Our focus on key areas of the game must improve after halftime.
"The players must focus on starting again, building the pressure and winning the second half," he said.
"Waisea Nayacalevu gets an opportunity to play at centre, the position he played for at his Paris club during the 2014-15 season."
"Asaeli Tikoirotuma comes in on the wing and Sunia Koto moves from the bench to the starting line-up at hooker."
Sublime Matawalu gets his chance to show his credentials in his first start at halfback in this campaign while Lovobalavu is back in the inside centre role.
"Josh Matavesi retains the No.10 spot on the back of his "man of the match" performance against Japan," he said.
"He said the players must take on the challenge and learn to perform under pressure, individually and collectively in the big games."
McKee also emphasised the significance of discipline during training.
He said a win against Samoa would improve Fiji's ranking and the players knew the importance of the final.
"The players are focused on stepping up the level of performance for the final. We must be more disciplined and not concede too many penalties. This area has allowed the opposition to get back in the game.
"The World Ranking is important but not the focus. Winning the PNC in this big game against Samoa is the focus of our preparation as a win will take us above Samoa in the rankings.
"The players must take on the challenge and learn to perform under pressure, individually and collectively in the big games," he added.
Open side flanker Akapusi Qera will captain the side.
Flying Fijians: 1. Campese Maafu, 2. Sunia Koto, 3. Manasa Saulo, 4. Tevita Cavubati, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Dom Waqaniburotu, 7. Akapusi Qera ( Captain ), 8. Masi Matadigo, 9. Nikola Matawalu, 10. Joshua Matavesi, 11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14 Metuisela Talebula, 15. Kini Murimurivalu
Reserves: 16. Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Isei Colati, 19. Nemia Soqeta, 20. Peceli Yato, 21. Nemia Kenatale, 22. Ben Volavola.