Fiji's Nations Cup match with France threatened with cancellation - reports

French media are reporting that Sunday’s round one Autumn Nations Cup match between France and Fiji in Vannes is threatened with cancellation following the detection of several cases of Covid-19 in the Fijian squad.

A meeting of tournament officials is due to take place on Friday to determine whether the match will be able to go ahead. France have cancelled their team naming media conference.

Rugbyrama.fr have reported: “As it stands, the FFR’s medical commission has given an unfavourable opinion to the holding of the match after several Fijian players tested positive for Covid-19, and others are now contact cases.

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“The Fijians risk a lost game and their future in the competition is in jeopardy as they face Italy the following weekend.

“The third game for France this autumn, the first match of the Autumn Cup, is threatened. It could even be postponed by the Six Nations committee, the organiser of the competition, who will meet this Friday at 1pm (French time).”

? INFO @midi_olympique ? Plusieurs cas de Covid-19 ont été décelés chez les Fidjiens, qui rendent peu probable, voire impossible, le maintien de la rencontre.https://t.co/uaKeCaGVFM

— RUGBYRAMA (@RugbyramaFR) November 13, 2020

It was reported elsewhere that new Fiji captain Semi Radradra tested positive early this week, but Fiji Rugby boss John O’Connor tried to downplay its significance regarding the staging of the match. “As part of the Covid-19 tournament protocols, the player has been isolated and is being monitored by our medical team,” he said.

Radradra was not in the Fiji matchday 23 unveiled by Vern Cotter to face the French in Nations Cup round one, a selection that has nine players poised to make their Test debut. An experienced backline was selected.

Frank Lomani and Ben Volavola will resume their half-back partnership, new match captain Levani Botia will combine with Waisea Nayacalevu in midfield while the returning Nemani Nadolo joins Josua Tuisova and Leicester colleague Kini Murimurivalu in the back three.

FIJI (vs France, Sunday)
1. Peni Ravai, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Tevita Ratuva, 5. Albert Tuisue, 6. Mesulame Kunavula, 7. Kitione Kamikamica, 8. Johnny Dyer, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Nemani Nadolo, 12. Levani Botia (capt), 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14. Josua Tuisova, 15. Kini Murimurivalu. Reps: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Manueli Ratuniyarawa, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Serupepeli Vularika, 23. Setareki Tuicuvu.

"We went down every morning at 7am 100 metres underground, never knowing if we were going to come up. A lot of people died down there"https://t.co/u5mIrEAZjK

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 11, 2020