Fiji player ratings vs Georgia | Rugby World Cup 2023
Fiji player ratings: Fiji very nearly lost against Georgia at the Stade Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux in a contest which saw the islanders look worryingly unfocused, profligate and frankly irrational at times.
Admittedly, this was always going to be a tricky one for Fiji, with Georgia’s forward-based game and a heretofore unsated appetite to make an impact at this Rugby World Cup where – if we’re being honest – they’ve underperformed. Yet even in that context, Fiji seemed to have lost the structure and focus that saw them beat Australia and run Wales close earlier in the pool stages.
The Lelos deserve huge credit – yes – but simply put, if Fiji plays like this again, they can forget about shocking the big boys in the knockout stages.
15. Teti Tela – 5
Tela managed the backfield relatively effectively and linked up well with his wingers, though he gave away too many turnovers to get anything like a good score. Some odd decision-making at times as well.
14. Semi Radradra – 4
Playing on the wing as opposed to his normal spot in the centre, Radradra was all but anonymous in the first half bare a couple of half breaks. Did his best to get sent off in the second, and partially succeeded with a yellow in the 41st minute.
13. Josua Tuisova – 5
Opened his account with a brilliant turnover after getting over the ball but little did we know that would be the highlight of his performance in Bordeaux. Fumbled the ball a few minutes later with the Georgian line beckoning and thereafter was unable to take the game by the scruff of the neck with a meaningful carry or big play.
12. Waisea Nayacalevu – 7.5
Always making ground when he got the ball, Nayacalevu showed glimpses of his attacking flair but could have been more involved in the game in the first half. A sensational finish to drag Fiji back into the game in the second, in what was a night and day performance for the inspirational captain.
11. Selestino Ravutaumada – 7.5
Ravutaumada was super impressive on the wing, displaying good defensive skills and offering a real strike option for Fiji as a crash ball runner. The problem was Fiji’s backline were playing like a group of randomers that had just met in the park for a throw-around.
10. Ilaisa Droasese – 4
Fiji needed Droasese to pull the strings at ten but didn’t show much ability to rein in the worst excesses of Fiji’s chaotic approach to the game. Showed brief glimpses in attack but also suffered from defensive lapses.
9. Simione Kuruvoli – 5
A shanked penalty in the 14th minute summed up Fiji’s bizarrely insipid first half. Fumbled with the line beckoning in the 24th minute as the Fijians naively sleep-walked their way into an arm wrestle with the Georgians, instead of taking their points.
1. Eroni Mawi – 6
Mawi got through a tonne of work defensively in the opening minutes and provided stability in the scrum, holding his own against the hulking Beka Gigashvili.
2. Sam Matavesi – 4
Not unlike Ireland’s lineout in the opening exchanges against South Africa in Pool B last weekend, a number of errant throws didn’t help Fiji’s cause in the first quarter and most of them were overthrown by Matavesi or in the case of one, crooked. Not good enough and he’ll be kicking himself.
3. Luke Tagi – 8
One of the discoveries of the tournament, Tagi has really put himself in the shop window in terms of his club future. The 6’4, 130kg prop did, however, have his hands full against Georgia’s Mikheil Nariashvili, but held his ground. Was more like a rampaging No.8 in the loose.
4. Isoa Nasilasila – 5
Nasilasila was an unreliable presence in the lineout and didn’t make his presence felt in the loose, offering limited support to his teammates.
5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta – 6
Cirikidaveta was also guilty in Fiji’s dire lineout although he offered physicality and athleticism that disrupted Georgia elsewhere.
6. Lekima Tagitagivalu – 6
One of the better Fijian forwards. Tagitagivalu put in a solid shift in the back row, making valuable tackles and carrying with intent. Another Fjian haunted by unforced errors.
7. Levani Botia – 8
A dreadful first half was followed up with a remarkable second forty for the La Rochelle star. Showed signs of his usual menace at the breakdown in the second 40, winning turnovers and no longer looking like the proverbial rabbit in the headlights. His offload for Vinaya Habosi’s try was world-class.
8. Viliame Mata – 8
Mata’s athleticism and ball-carrying ability were on full display as he made crucial metres for Fiji, especially in broken play.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Tevita Ikanivere – 6
17. Peni Ravai – 7
The scrum improved notably when the Reds prop came on.
18. Samuela Tawake – 7
19. Temo Mayanavanua – 6
Probably an improvement on Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta.
20. Albert Tuisue – 7
Added some punch to the Fijian forward ball carries.
21. Frank Lomani – 8
Brought more than a dollop of energy of energy when he came late in the second half, with Fiji badly needing something approaching structure. His awful kick somehow got over it put Fiji in the lead for the first time.
22. Vilimoni Botitu – 7
23. Vinaya Habosi – 7.5
Looked useful when he came on and brought an urgency to the game that was lacking in the first half. His try was crucial.
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 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!
3 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.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments