Rugby World Cup 2023: Fiji name fly-half Tela against Wales, Botia and Tuisova on bench

Fiji's Caleb Muntz and Teti Tela celebrate after the win over England

Fiji have named Teti Tela at fly-half for their World Cup opener against Wales in Bordeaux with flanker Levani Botia and wing Josua Tuisova among a strong replacements' bench.

Fiji received a major injury blow when fly-half Caleb Muntz was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

Semi Radradra and captain Waisea Nayacalevu form a strong centre partnership for Sunday's match.

Georgia, Australia and Portugal are also in Pool C.

Fourteen players will celebrate their first World Cup appearance while three players will mark their third tournament.

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"We have been building towards this game and everyone has worked hard since the time we gathered," said head coach Simon Raiwalui.

"It's an amazing group of players and everyone is looking forward to Sunday.

"We've had the confidence in the whole squad right from the beginning, everyone's had their chance (to earn selection).

"We've got strength and depth. That's something we haven't traditionally had, and it's been a very hard selection so we've put out a very good team.

"We've got a strong bench throughout, from the front row right to the backline, so we've got total faith in the 15 that will start and the 23 that will finish the game."

'Fiji are not favourites'

Raiwalui has dismissed Fiji having the favourite tags despite his side rising above Pool C rivals Wales and Australia in the world rankings.

"When could we ever be called favourites when we're considered a developing country versus a developed country, resources and those sort of things," said Raiwalui.

"We're confident with our preparation, with our group. We never go in thinking we're favourites to win, we go into this game humble.

"We've worked hard throughout the eight-week (warm-up) campaign, and our focus has always been one week at time, what's the next challenge, what have we got coming up this weekend.

"We've been working towards this point, so we're totally focused on this game and nothing past this game. We understand Wales is a very good team, they've got a lot of experience so we understand the challenge and we're looking forward to it."

Fiji team to face Wales: Droasese; Ravutaumada, Nayacalevu (capt), Radrada, Habosi; Tela, Lomani; Mawi, Matavesi, Tagi, Nasilasila, Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Mata.

Replacements: Ikanivere, Ravai, Doge, Mayanavanua, Botia, Kuruvoli, Tuisova, Maqala.