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Flying Fijians down Samoa in Apia
By Ian Cameron
The Flying Fijians recorded an impressive 33-19 victory over Samoa in Apia. The Fijians dominated the first half, scoring all four of their tries in the opening 30 minutes to take a commanding 30-5 lead at halftime.
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Hooker Tevita Ikanivere scored two tries in quick succession, while Iosefo Masi, making his Test debut, also crossed the try line after a brilliant assist from the experienced Semi Radradra. The best try of the match came from Selestino Ravutaumada, who finished off a stunning 90-meter effort initiated by Kalaveti Ravouvou.
Samoa, coming off a thrilling 24-22 upset win against Japan, struggled to contain Fiji’s early onslaught. Their lone first-half try came from fly-half and former Wallabies international, Christian Leali’ifano.
In the second half, Samoa put up a stronger fight and managed to score two tries through Tumua Manu and Fritz Lee. However, Fiji’s Caleb Muntz kept them at bay with his accurate kicking, scoring a total of 13 points from the boot.
Next weekend will see Samoa host Tonga, while Fiji will travel to Japan.
Scorers:
For Samoa:
Tries: Leali’ifano, Manu, Lee
Cons: Leali’ifano 2
For Fiji:
Tries: Ikanivere 2, Masi, Ravutaumada
Cons: Muntz 2
Pens: Muntz 3
Teams:
Samoa: 15 Danny Toala 14 Nigel Ah Wong, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Tumua Manu, 10 Christian Leali’ifano, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Fritz Lee (captain), 7 Jack Lam, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Taleni Seu, 4 Chris Vui, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Ray Niuia, 1 Jordan Lay
Replacements: 16 Sama Malolo, 17 Titi Lamositele, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Brian Alainu’u’ese, 20 Genesis Mamea-Lemalu 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Alai D’Angelo Leuila, 23 Ed Fidow
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Fiji: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Semi Radradra (captain), 11 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Vilive Miramira, 6 Meli Derenalagi, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Joseva Tamani, 20 Kitione Kamikamica, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Josua Tuisova
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: James Doleman (New Zealand), Matthew Kellahan (Australia)
Latest Comments
I think the article fails to understand the different dynamics between the countries. South African players leave the country because they can earn more in any of the major European leagues, and SARU doesn’t have the money or control to stop them. The situation is different in England. When English Qualified Players stop playing in England, they tend to go to France. Some older ones go to the US or Japan for a final payday in a less demanding competition, but the ones who are looking to maximise their earning power go to France, because it’s the only market in the game that pays more. The Top 14 is one of the most physically attritional leagues around, with a heavy emphasis on forward power and a very long league season. Players are hired to play, and contracts don’t usually include clauses allowing players to join up for International camps outside the International windows, or to have the RFU have a say over their training. The one famous exception was Jonny Wilkinson, but few other players have his buying power. I do think the RFU should be more flexible about players displaced by the club failures last year, and even for Joe Marchant, who moved because Eddie wasn’t selecting him only for Eddie to be replaced… But it needs to be a temporary measure while things settle down. I would place more of a focus on the RFU’s planned hybrid contracts, which will allow them longer term control over a core group of players. I also think they should look how to help develop emerging players who could fill problem positions or holes in the succession plan. Investment in the academies, and perhaps (cheaper) hybrid contracts for high potential players in positions where the succession plan is weaker would help.
Go to commentsWill Jordan will be Razor's #15, Beaudie will be #10, much in the same way Sexton was used by Ireland. D-Mac will once again be a bench utility. Narawa, Reece, Telea, Clarke, will headline wing options. Reiko too? Midfield is stacked too. Jordie, ALB, Reiko?, Amua?, Havilli, amongst others. Newbies? The 9s will be interesting. Regardless, the cattle are there, the x factor will be how Razor puts the bits & pieces together to make a mean machine. Exciting times.
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