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Fiji overhaul team for Samoa clash in Pacific Nations Cup title race
Eyeing their sixth Pacific Nations Cup title, Fiji have overhauled their lineup for the tournament finale against Samoa this weekend.
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Depending on whether Tonga can upset Australia A in the match beforehand, Fiji’s hopes of winning yet another Pacific Nations Cup will go on the line against Samoa, who sit in pole position heading into the final round of the tournament.
Five competition points astray from their Pacific Island neighbours, all the pressure is on the third-placed Fijians to score a bonus point win over Samoa, which – provided Tonga beat Australia A – would assure them of the Pacific Nations Cup title.
With that in mind, Fiji head coach Vern Cotter has made a total of eight changes and a few positional shifts to his starting lineup for the Samoa clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
Gone from the run-on team are headline figures Seta Tamanivalu and Josua Tuisova, both of whom have been benched after starting in last week’s shock defeat to Australia A.
Instead, Cotter has named captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Jiuta Wainiqolo to start at centre and right wing, respectively, after the pair started in Fiji’s 36-0 whitewash of Tonga in Suva a fortnight ago.
Nayacalevu and Wainiqolo are two of five new faces in the backline, as are first-five Ben Volavola, second-five Vilimoni Botitu and fullback Seta Tuicuvu, who all replace Teti Tela, Levani Botia and Manasa Mataele, respectively.
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A reshuffle up front sees utility forward Isoa Nasilasila move from lock to blindside flanker at the expense of injured loose forward Mesu Kunavula, paving the way for lock Tevita Ratuva to come into the second row.
Loosehead prop Eroni Mawi, meanwhile, replaces the benched Haereiti Hetet, who joins Tamanivalu and Tuisova as three of five newbies in the reserves, with the others being hooker Tevita Ikanavere and prop Luke Tagi.
“We have had a couple of injuries in the team after two games therefore it gives an opportunity to other players to step up, take the responsibility and face the challenge,” Cotter said as he called for improvements from his side after last week’s loss.
“It’s better to use last week’s game to learn and rectify mistakes. There are some key areas that this team had identified but didn’t live up to the expectations last week so we need to step up this week.
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“The other thing we working is on our organisation, especially on our character and how we express ourselves on the paddock this weekend. We would like to see a big improvement in the way we play on the field.
“We need to be better in every aspect of ruck time, aggressive in our carry and not to lose positions.
“Let’s build on the things which we did well against Tonga so probably I think the main message is enough talk and let’s get on with it. We all know that we weren’t good enough last week so let’s get better this week.”
Kick-off for Fiji’s clash against Samoa is scheduled for 3pm local time.
Fiji team to play Samoa
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Sam Matavesi
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Tevita Ratuva
6. Isoa Nasilsila
7. Rusiate Nasove
8. Albert Tuisue
9. Frank Lomani
10. Ben Volavola
11. Vinaya Habosi
12. Vilimoni Botitu
13. Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
14. Jiuta Wainiqolo
15. Seta Tuicuvu
Reserves
16. Tevita Ikanivere
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Luke Tagi
19. Temo Mayanavanua
20. Kitione Kamikamica
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Seta Tamanivalu
23. Josua Tuisova
Comments on RugbyPass
Joe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
1 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
9 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
9 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
9 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
9 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
9 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
9 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
9 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
9 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to comments