Fiji player ratings vs England | Rugby World Cup 2023
Fiji’s World Cup campaign came to a halt on Sunday against England at the Stade Velodrome, although a late surge almost brought them a dramatic victory.
After trailing 24-10 in the second-half, Simon Raiwalui’s side brought the scores level heading into the final minutes, only for an Owen Farrell drop goal and penalty to end their hopes of making the semi-finals.
Here’s how the players rated:
15 Ilaisa Droasese – 5
Solid at the back but needed to be more consistent. Loose kicking at times meant England were rarely put under pressure in the back field and were gifted good attacking opportunities.
14 Vinaya Habosi – 4
Made the most clean breaks for Fiji going into the match, but went off shortly after the break having made the most tackles for his side at that point. Dangerous early on and even won a breakdown penalty, but a yellow card for a head clash with Marcus Smith marred his first-half. Saved his side from a sticky situation late in the first-half after an Elliot Daly chip. Came off shortly after having the ball ripped off him by Ben Earl which would have left a sour taste in his mouth.
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c) – 6
Had some strong moments in defence but struggled to make an impact in attack early on. Grew into the game as Fiji mounted their comeback, and alongside Radradra started to torment the English defence.
12 Josua Tuisova – 5.5
Fairly subdued for his very high standards. Had beaten the most defenders for Fiji going into the match, had the joint most breakdown turnovers and had made the second-most carries, but could not produce any impressive numbers in those departments.
11 Semi Radradra – 7.5
One of the standout performers for Fiji and showed what a world-class talent he is with strong carries, impressive footwork and varied distribution. He created opportunities and was a constant threat as Fiji fought back.
10 Vilimoni Botitu – 6
Displayed moments of brilliance with the ball in hand, but he was often isolated and lacked support. His tactical kicking game needed work. Had Fiji playing with far more fluidity than last week against Portugal and showed signs of real creativity and flamboyancy, none more so than his through-the-legs pass for the first try.
9 Frank Lomani – 4
Will go down as missing a tackle on Manu Tuilagi for England’s opening try, but it is harsh to call it ‘missed’. Ultimately will be judged on his place kicking, which was 50 percent, including one sitter missed. That prevented Fiji from staying within touching distance of England. Box kicking equally did not put his opponents under enough pressure.
1 Eroni Mawi – 5.5
Showed glimpses of his strength in the scrum but couldn’t quite get the ball in his hands as much as he would have liked in the loose. Six tackles in under 50 minutes is still a decent return for a loosehead though.
2 Tevita Ikanivere – 5
Lineout throws were inconsistent, which proved costly at times. Quiet in open play.
3 Luke Tagi – 3
Was forced from the field in the opening quarter with an injury. That came after missing three tackles though.
4 Isoa Nasilasila – 5.5
Showcased his athleticism and work rate in the loose with his break to set up Botitu’s try. Had made the second-most tackles for Fiji going into the match but was outworked by plenty of his teammates in defence. Contribution at the lineout was huge for his side though.
5 Albert Tuisue – 5.5
Tuisue’s physicality was evident with some huge hits in the middle of the field (as Maro Itoje will attest) and some strong counter-rucking, but he struggled to impose himself consistently against a strong England pack.
6 Lekima Tagitagivalu – 4.5
A quiet game statistically with not a lot to write home about in attack or defence.
7 Levani Botia – 5.5
Fiji’s defensive machine kept up his good form, topping his side’s tackle charts alongside Tuisue. Not as much of a menace at the breakdown as he was at Twickenham in August, with any success being countered by being penalised.
8 Viliame Mata – 6
Was penalised for a needless obstruction which gave England the field position to score their first try. Responded with a try of his own later in the half with a dummy that seemed to trick the entire England defence. Followed up with a huge hit on Courtney Lawes soon after to drive him into touch. Made the most carries in the pack and had a tackle count in double digits.
Replacements:
16 Samuel Matavesi – 6
Solid in the lineout when he came on and was busy on either side of the ball.
17 Peni Ravai – 6
Scored a powerful try to ignite Fiji’s resurgence in the second-half.
18 Mesake Doge – 4
Had a tough time at the scrum, and was pinged on multiple occasions by referee Mathieu Raynal in his 60 minute stint.
19 Meli Derenalagi – 4
Penalised in the final play of the match to seal the loss.
20 Vilive Miramira – N/A
21 Simione Kuruvoli – 5.5
His introduction to the game coincided with Fiji having their best spell of the match where they played with far more potency in attack. Improved Fiji’s kicking at goal marginally.
22 Iosefo Masi – N/A
23 Sireli Maqala – 6
Was a major attacking threat last week against Portugal, but his defensive contribution was mighty this week, making nine tackles in 35 minutes and even chipping in with a penalty at the ruck.
Comments on RugbyPass
“Cortez Ratima is light years ahead of anyone on current form, while TJ Perenara has also skyrocketed into contention following the unfortunate injury to the talented Cam Roigard.” At last some sanity. Hitherto so many pundits have been wittering on about Finlay Christie to the point one wondered if they were observing a FC in a parallel universe where the FC they saw wasnt just the mediocre Shayne Philpott project of Fosters hapless AB reign in the real world. Ratima, Perenara and Fakatava are the ONLY logical 9s for Razor now Roigard is crocked.
2 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
2 Go to commentsNow if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
2 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
5 Go to comments