Fiji player ratings vs Wales | Autumn Nations Series
Fiji player ratings: One warm-up game against Spain, their regular coaching team 11,000 miles away and having to play with 14 men from the 24th minute and a total of 20 minutes with 13 players. Those were the odds stacked against Fiji but they pushed Wales all the way and showed why they are going to be a force at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. They were also missing key players in the backs and while discipline remains a real problem, the Flying Fijians will take great heart from this match.
Acting head coach Gareth Baber and his management worked wonders to shore up the dodgy line out and Rory Best’s work paid real dividends while captain Waisea Nayacalevu was the outstanding player on either side and his two tries were reward for one of the great performances by a centre at the Principality Stadium. Wing Eroni Sau will forever regret his swinging arm that earned a red card and who knows what the result would have been if he had not had a moment of madness.
FIJI PLAYER RATINGS:
15. Setareki Tuicuvu – 7
Ran the ball back well and caught Wales asleep with his quick tap and go that led to Nayacalevu’s second try. His height could be a problem against teams with a better kick and chase game.- 7
14. Josua Tuisova – 6
The bus won an early turnover and delivered one of his trademark thumping tackles but he was on occasionally used in attack as Fiji suffered from a lack of numbers at key moments. – 6
13: Waisea Nayacalevu – 9
Almost a faultless performance from the captain who led by example and filled the massive hole created by the injury hit Semi Radradra. Two tries and showreel of big defensive hits to show the family.
Wales are in trouble in Cardiff as a 14-man Fiji extend their lead.#AutumnNationsSeries #WALvFJI pic.twitter.com/dh4W4gghL6
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 14, 2021
12. Vilimoni Botitu – 5
How do you impress when the bloke outside you is playing so well? Botitu had a couple of moments in attack but is not the force Fiji need in the mid-field and he will be a back up at the world cup.
11. Eroni Sau – 3
No need for the swinging arm after he had put in the tackle on the Welsh player on the ground. This kind of ill-discipline has been a problem for the Islands nations and he let his country and the team down.
Fiji down to 14 men with a reckless challenge ? #WALvFJI pic.twitter.com/uuwOUcunKK
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 14, 2021
10. Ben Volavola – 7
Great short pass for the first try but kicked possession away late in the game when Fiji had to keep it in hand. Beaten to the ball by Rees-Zammit for the wing’s try. Kicked well off the tee and lasted the course.
9. Frank Lomani – 6
Was busy and effective and produced one marvellous catch to keep a penalty kick to touch by Biggar in play. Only one up and under failed to work and thankfully kept passing after that.
1. Peni Ravai – 6
Helped dispel the view that Fiji are weak at the scrum and also put in a shift at the ruck. Like the rest of the Fiji pack he was found wanting when it came to maul time but more plusses than minuses.
2. Sam Matavesi – 7
Stole the ball at the breakdown and was a pain in neck for Wales throughout. Missed with three line out throws but the overall performance was a positive one from one of the guys Fiji can build the pack around.
3. Mesake Doge – 6
Enjoyed proving he can take on a Tier 1 scrum with a straight back and plenty of leg power. Also found the Welsh maul a real problem but has the physical power to be the cornerstone of the scrum.
PLAYER RATINGS: Wales came through in the end, even if the scoreline flattered the hosts.
Here's how we rated the players. #WALvFJI #AutumnNationsSeries https://t.co/fYfJSvhDnE
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 14, 2021
4. Api Ratuniyarawa – 8
Northampton fans will be asking why he doesn’t play like this for them every week? Line out ball won, tackles put in and was a focal point for the best of Fijian forward play.
5. Temo Mayanavanua – 5
Not as effective as his second row mate and needs to turn himself into a ball carrier to take the pressure off his fellow big men. Could offer so much more with his attributes.
6. Albert Tuisue – 6
A yellow card meant his influence was affected. Powerful in the tackle and secure under the restarts, the London Irish No8 handled a different position with some success before tiring.
7. Mesulame Kunavula – 5
How can a player this big be anonymous at key times? An open side flanker he is not and Fiji need to put this proven sevens star into a role that brings the best out of him.
8. Vilimae Mata – 8
Welcome back Bill! Hailed as the best in Europe a few years ago, Mata showed he is now fully fit and has to be int the team. Missed the Welsh scrum half who scored a try but we will forgive him – 8
Reserves: Plenty of commitment from the bench although their contribution was undermined by Mawi’s yellow card that came at a critical period and left Fiji with too much to do.
Comments on RugbyPass
I’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
19 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
19 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
19 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
19 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to comments