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Fiji ready for another England scalp as team is named for knockouts
Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has named his 23-man match-day squad to play England in their Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final in Marseille on Sunday.
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Following a disappointing 24-23 defeat to Portugal in the final pool match of the tournament, Fiji now face an England side in a quarter-final, having beaten them at Twickenham just a few months back.
The team features 10 players who started for Fiji in that famous victory, including five in the back-line with only Caleb Muntz and Selesitino Ravutaumada missing from this team.
Fiji’s three try-scorers in that first win for Fiji over England have been named in the match-day 23 – Vinaya Habosi, Simione Kuruvoli and captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
FIJI TEAM TO FACE ENGLAND IN THE QUARTER FINAL
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Tevita Ikanivere
3 Luke Tagi
4 Isoa Nasilasila
5 Albert Tuisue
6 Lekima Tagitagivalu
7 Levani Botia
8 Viliame Mata
9 Frank Lomani
10 Vilimoni Botitu
11 Semi Radradra
12 Josua Tuisova
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
14 Vinaya Habosi
15 Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements:
16 Samuel Matavesi
17 Peni Ravai
18 Mesake Doge
19 Meli Derenalagi
20 Vilive Miramira
21 Simione Kuruvoli
22 Iosefo Masi
23 Sireli Maqala
Hooker Tevita Ikanivere earns his first Rugby World Cup start after playing Fiji’s first four pool games off the bench. In his 12th test since making his debut in July last year, this will be only his fourth start – all three of his tries have come when he has worn the number two jersey.
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Semi Radradra returns to the left wing, with Vinaya Habosi switching to the right. He is still chasing his first try of RWC 2023 after scoring two in 2019. Four of his six career tries have come when he has started in the midfield. Radradra announced this year he would be moving to Lyon after three years with the Bristol Bears.
If used off the bench Peni Ravai will join Akapusi Qera, Campese Ma’afu and Leone Nakarawa as the second-most capped Fijian at the Rugby World Cup with 12 appearances. Only Nicky Little has played more games with 14 between 1999 and 2011.
Smith given the start in quarter-final clash against Fiji 🔥 #RWC2023 #ENGvFIJ #rugby pic.twitter.com/HKRiqCJCnQ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 13, 2023
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.
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