Tongan flanker Nili Latu will lead the Pacific Islanders against Italy on Saturday in their rugby tour finale after captain Mosese Rauluni was dropped to the reserves.
Rauluni led the Islanders in their first two tests, the 39-13 loss to England and last weekend's 42-17 defeat from France.
But he was replaced by Llanelli Scarlets scrumhalf Sililo Martens among seven changes to the side facing the Azzurri at Reggio Emilia.
Justin Va'a, who played England, was in for prop Kas Lealamanua, and lock Filipo Levi for Kele Leawere. Viliami Vaka replaced fellow Tongan Hale T Pole at flanker.
There was an entirely new back three for the Islanders, with Seilala Mapusua, Sailosi Tagicakibau and Kameli Ratuvou brought back for Seru Rabeni, the suspended Napolioni Nalaga and Gavin Williams.
--- Lineup:
Pacific Islanders:
Kameli Ratuvou (Fiji), Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa), Seilala Mapusua (Samoa), Epi Taione (Tonga), Vilimoni Delasau (Fiji), Seremaia Bai (Fiji), Sililo Martens (Tonga); Justin Va'a (Samoa), Tanielu Fuga (Samoa), Kisi Pulu (Tonga), Filipo Levi (Samoa), Paino Hehea (Tonga), Viliami Vaki (Tonga), Nili Latu (Tonga, captain), Sisa Koyamaibole (Fiji). Replacements: Sunia Koto (Fiji), Tonga Lea'aetoa (Tonga), Semisi Naevo (Fiji), Hale T Pole (Tonga), Mosese Rauluni (Fiji), Seru Rabeni (Fiji), Gavin Williams (Samoa).
Sapa-AP Rugbyweek.com
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