1
Fiji player ratings vs Australia | Rugby World Cup 2023
After the tight loss to Wales last week, Fiji responded with an emphatic 22-15 win against the Wallabies in Saint Etienne to shake up Pool C.
ADVERTISEMENT
The crowd favourites took at 12-8 half-time led with four penalties off the boot of livewire No 9 Simione Kuruvoli, before a key try to Josua Tuisova early in the second half blew the game open.
Fiji’s superior breakdown effort kept Australia at bay as they held on for a famous 22-15 win.
Here’s how the Fijians rated:
1. Eroni Mawi – 8
Monstered Carter Gordon in a ball-and-all tackle on a blind side switch that will give the Wallaby No 10 nightmares, forcing a knock-on in the process. Led the Fijian front row with a high work rate, completing 9 tackles in the first half alone. Produced two big turnovers. Off at 50.
The scrum & maul was firing for Fiji. It collapsed often but the ref allowed plenty of resets. Fiji didn’t concede any scrum penalties in the first half and won a penalty on their first scrum in the second half, while the first maul drew a penalty for collapsing. Overall the starting pack really had the upper hand over Australia, particularly at the breakdown as the match wore on.
2. Sam Matavesi – 8.5
Matavesi was one of the best on the field during his 50 minutes on. Gave away a penalty with a high shot on Petaia early, but was critical in a solid Fijian set-piece. Completed his first six throws at the lineout and showed magnificent skill on a lineout play to rip a long pass out to the backs. Still finished with a team-high six carries. The biggest blemish was two key lineouts late in the first half as Fiji turned down points for the corner. Off at 50.
3. Luke Tagi – 8
The powerful prop gave Fiji good gain line with four carries. He put in a mammoth effort after being recalled into action. Off at 50 but back on from 58, Tagi finished with nine tackles, anchored a strong Fijian scrum & maul throughout his time on.
4. Isoa Nasilasila – 7
Was the most reliable jumping lineout option for Matavesi. Defensively a workhorse with 11 tackles. Off at 67.
5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta – 7
Involved in the dirty work with plenty of clean outs and tackles. Came up with a big turnover with 20 minutes to go on Jordan Uelese forcing a holding on penalty. Finished with 10 tackles.
6. Lekima Tagitagivalu – 6
Didn’t have the impact as the others with his carries but toiled away in defence making 10 tackles. First throw to the No 6 was tipped and turned.
7. Levani Botia – 9
Ever-present at the breakdown, competing hard for Fiji both on attack and defence. His elevation into the starting line-up proved to be a masterstroke as he was everywhere. Forced a key strip on Valetini carrying on first phase with the Wallabies in good field position. Came up with another key penalty at the breakdown over Nawaqanitawase with the Wallabies pressing into Fiji’s 22. His only error was a bobbled transfer on a big chance to peel from the lineout late in the first half. Finished with 14 tackles and three turnovers won after a demolition job on Australia. Off at 59.
ADVERTISEMENT
8. Viliame Mata – 5
A rather quiet night for the skillful No 8 who parked out on the left side in Fiji’s attack early and looked to attack in the wide channels. Took some thundering carries with a massive wind-up into the Australian defence. Finished with five tackles and three tackles.
9. Simione Kuruvoli – 9
Electric and zippy halfback who brought speed and tempo for Fiji. Looked dangerous with ball-in-hand with every touch. Took over the kicking duties and nailed his first penalty from 40m out and second from about 44m. Kicked 4/4 off the tee in the first half and nailed his fifth from the sideline early in the second.
Box kicked well out of exit situations. Was putting together a man-of-the-match performance before he came off after 47 mins shortly after going down with cramps.
10. Teti Tela – 6
Cleared the lines for Fiji and sent runners into the green and gold wall as the distributor in Fiji’s pattern. Kicked his restarts well and provided an error-free performance to drive Fiji around the park.
ADVERTISEMENT
11. Semi Radradra – 6
Another off night for Radradra but he came up with a clutch play towards the end to help seal the win. Threw a forward pass during a wave of Fiji’s attack early. Had an opportunity down the left side from a Fiji scrum but was cleaned up by Samu Kerevi in cover.
Caught napping a bit after a 50-22 by Australia with a quick throw-in which led to Nawaqanitawase’s try. Lost his first couple of high ball contests but was involved in the chase leading to Tuisova’s try. Knocked-on at the base of the ruck just after Fiji won possession from a strong counter-attack. Looked his best when he carried in the midfield. Came up with a big breakdown penalty to stop a Wallabies raid with seven to go.
12. Josua Tuisova – 8
Was a little bit of a mixed bag for Tuisova but ultimately proved to be a difference maker. He was penalised attempting to wrap Valetini high which gave the Wallabies their first three points. However, he proved to be a handful at No 12 any time he carried. He ran at Kerevi with his first powerful carry. Ran straight over Gordon with his next. Scored a breakaway try after Carter Gordon let a box kick bounce with the midfielder getting the dream bounce and run away try.
Missed a big opportunity in the 51st minute with an overlap advantage, went for the cutout pass to Radradra which sailed forward over the touch line. Gave away a penalty for a high shot at 63 mins but made up for it moments later by winning a breakdown penalty.
Defensively was strong in the midfield with Botia providing cover inside in the 10 channel. Off at 67.
13. Waisea Nayacalevu – 7
His first touch looked like slicing through the Wallabies midfield on a wide strike from the lineout. Didn’t get much quality ball in the first half. Was strong defensively when needed, looking to hold up Wallaby runners and force collapsed mauls. The captain made his presence felt with a great cover tackle on Koroibete late.
Broke the line with minutes to go and found Habosi for a would-be game-winner but the Wallabies covered.
14. Jiuta Wainiqolo – 5
Showed a dangerous right foot step but threw a mistimed offload for a turnover on one scrum play to the right. Had a well-timed kick chase on a box kick where his two-man tackle put Gordon over the sideline. Came off early in the second half with an injury after pushing an offload in the tackle.
15. Ilaisa Droasese – 6.5
His kicking game at the back was key to relieving pressure for Fiji. Linked well with his wingers giving them the space by drawing the last man on multiple occasions. Cleaned up in the backfield on the few occasions he was required to. Marshalled a Petaia kick wisely over the dead ball line early in the second half, but got turned and penalised on a kick return.
Substitutes
16 Tevita Ikanivere – 4 – On at 50. Set-piece fell apart for Fiji with the entire new front row. Missed multiple throws as the lineout malfunctioned. Wallabies managed to win their first scrum penalty.
17 Peni Ravai – N/A – On at 50. Limited opportunities with one carry and two tackles.
18 Mesake Doge – N/A – On at 50 but back off at 58 with injury.
19 Temo Mayanavanua – N/A – On at 66.
20 Albert Tuisue – 4 – Big platform carry on his first effort in the midfield. Lost a couple of breakdown battles.
21 Frank Lomani – 5 – On at 42. A nervous start dropping an offload from Matavesi. Missed his first penalty attempt after replacing the ace goal kicker. Kicked his second attempt which proved crucial.
22 Vilimoni Botitu – N/A- On at 67. Replaced man-of-the-match Tuisova.
23 Vinaya Habosi – 6 – On at 43 min – Took two key kick-off restarts and saved Fiji. Got called offside on a key kick chase which had Vunivalu pinned over the sideline. Almost had the game-winner in the 78th.
Comments on RugbyPass
“upon leaving said establishment I tripped over a stool knocking some bottles into the air and as I fell I accidently dislodged a police officer’s teaser who was passing by on an unrelated matter there by landing on said taser which caused it to discharge 50,000 watts into me. Out of shock I shouted Ireland are going to win the world cup. Upon waking up I apologised for the distress caused by my Ireland comment. The matter is closed. If you wish to pursue this matter may I remind you what I told Wayne Barnes when he sent me off. I AM A BIG ASS MAN”. Or was it “I AM A BIG ASS, MAN” or was it “I AM A BIG ASSMAN”?
1 Go to commentsThe only championship the Boks hold are: Great value for the incompetence of referees during the RWC Moaning endlessly and champions of spewing utterly ignorant 💩 at all times. Displaying the dangers of a third world education End of.
27 Go to commentsSouth Africa and Rassie do a phenomenal job of treating the 4 years in between World Cups as nothing more than a training exercise to build squad depth. The Six Nations money that keeps Irish rugby afloat is unfortunately too important to allow the same approach, and basic population size means we'll never get close to matching the depth of South Africa, England and France. That being said, Irish rugby is in a relatively good place and slowly improving inch by inch. If the other three provinces can pull the finger out and actually develop some players it'd be even better.
27 Go to commentsGood on Clarke for taking on the criticism and addressing his deficiencies, principally his laziness.
2 Go to comments“It is the people’s favourite against the actual favourite. It is the people’s champions against the actual champions. I’m joking, but it’s going to be a fantastic series.” Why did Darcy make that joke knowing it would be used as click bait? Why did RP headline it as a serious comment? Anyway, the tired comment isn’t very astute. SA players may have played more games etc. Darcy over estimated as a pundit.
27 Go to commentsNot sure Frisch will ever make the French team with Depoortère and Costes waiting in the wings to take over from Danty and Fickou.
1 Go to commentsThe Irish are tired and the Boks are old. The test series won't confirm who is best in the world, it will confirm which team needs to pursue the task of rebuilding with the most urgency.
27 Go to commentsGrant, the first time I have seen an article written by you. Maybe I have missed your previous stuff. These days all professional players effectively play a common season so all top players are equally tired, or rested. That is the job of the coaching ticket to build squad depth and juggle resources so players are ‘ fresh’ when the big games come. Possibly Ireland are less inclined to juggle squad compared to Rassie, who is prepared to take the risk to rest players as well as build depth throughout the year so come WC he has a full squad, experienced and rested enough to win 7 games. After all, to win WC you need to get through the tournament and then win the final big 3 games. Ireland should try and build a bit so come final 3 they are ready. So far only played final 1(QF). I am so looking forward to the Irish tour. Hopefully Rassie has enough time to align his guys, as he draws them from across the globe, and not from 2 sides locally( eg Leinster, Munster). No excuses, going to be exciting.
27 Go to commentsIn football, teams get fined and sometimes docked points for deliberately fielding weakened teams yet Leinster can pretty much do as they please with no comebacks. Could it be because Ireland run the URC? Could it be that Ireland run the ERC? Whichever it is, it stinks!!
6 Go to commentsIreland are only the People’s Champions in Irish eyes. The rest of the world do not care for them very much because of attitudes of people like Gordon, Ferris, Best, Jackman…I could go on!!
27 Go to commentsNot sure how Karl Dickson can ever ref a Quins game, he played for the club for 8 years as understudy to Care and is still close friends with half the team
3 Go to commentsAre bookies taking bets on how many times Vunipola's eventual statement will use the term “elders"? My money is on at least 4 times.
4 Go to commentsSo Ireland will be tired, despite having the most rested test squad in the world. They only play tests, champions cup and urc play off games ffs! Case in point; Leinster sent a B squad to SA for their last two games while their first xv rested up and trained at their leisure for the sf vs Saints at the so called ‘neutral venue’ of Croke Park. So tired? Do me a favour… And as for “people’s champions”? Seriously??? Outside of Ireland they are respected for their ability to win 6N. And of course plenty of inconsequential test friendlies without any real pressure. WC ko games when the pressure is white hot? Not so much…
27 Go to commentsSurprising how standing down or benching a player can do wonders for their motivation. Several players this week in that category.
2 Go to commentsHaha lads lads lads, that’s how you have a holiday In Majorca
4 Go to commentshit on Lynagh was defo late and card-worthy. The other 2 are bang on OK. Hurts you at Test level if youre timing is off and the nostrils are flared. Jerry C knew when to lean in on one, Finau just needs to keep his discipline and head straight.
7 Go to commentsSlade was exceptional against Gloucester. Not only was he doing the classic Slade stuff of running amazing lines and timing passes to perfection to put his wingers into space, he was kicking goals, flying off the line smashing people and crashing into rucks like a flanker… his hair even looked on point. 😍
1 Go to commentsThat’s really sad, hope everyone involved is ok. At least he had pants on.
4 Go to commentsTo be fair it was nowhere bear the Leinster first team (for which, btw, Leinster copped nothing like the outrage that Jake White did for sending a rotated team to the UK). But it’s fun to watch the Stormers doing their thing. They are attracting big, diverse crowds of young fans, and deservedly so. Great to see.
1 Go to commentsIt might be legal but he’s sailing pretty close to the wind. Not a lot needs to go wrong for Finau to end up in the bin. Was it late? Not quite, but borderline. High? A couple of CM within the laws, no room for error with that one. Did he wrap the arms? There was a token effort to wrap one arm, the intent was clearly to hit with the shoulder. So yeah, it’s legal, just. But as we all know, a very slight change in the dynamics could easily have him seeing red. Hopefully not when it really matters.
7 Go to comments