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Matavesi makes astonishing claim over Fiji's World Cup prospects
Josh Matavesi has warned Grand Slam champions Wales they face a Fiji team that is ready to shock the sport by winning the World Cup in Japan.
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Wales will be favourites to top a pool which also includes Fiji, Australia, Georgia and Uruguay, but as the strongest of the Pacific Island nations proved at the 2007 World Cup, they can upset the Welsh and grab a quarter-final place. The power of the current Fiji squad was clearly seen in November when they stunned France 21-14 in Paris.
That result came after the squad had spent just three weeks together under coach John McKee and he will have the players for around three months in the lead-up to the World Cup.
McKee held a training camp for his European stars in Toulouse recently and Matavesi is determined to earn his World Cup squad place on the back of trying to help his club Newcastle stay in the Gallagher Premiership.
Matavesi is bullish about Fiji’s ability to win the World Cup, claiming: “The end goal we have is to win the World Cup and we’re not going to the tournament to just turn up.
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“The whole ethos around our squad is that we are not scared of anyone. We are like the Harlem Globetrotters and John giving us the structure we needed means everyone knows their roles and we are all professional players. That really helps because everyone knows what is expected of them.
“There are so many players available and I wouldn’t want to be in John’s shoes having to cut it down for Japan. Hopefully I can be involved after helping keep Newcastle up in the Premiership and I was in Toulouse for our squad get together.
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If any nation has the right to feel aggrieved about the proposed World League, it's Fiji ??? https://t.co/EtRUIgdFQR
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 1, 2019
“It was about making sure that any niggly injuries would be sorted out before we got together again in June and making sure we work on any weaknesses. The message was clear and everyone has to turn up in great shape and we are excited about having 12 weeks together and something like nine games before the World Cup.
“You could see in the November Tests the difference between the first game against Scotland and the last which saw us beat France after three weeks together. We are a dangerous team when we have time to spend together and I hate to think what we are going to be like after 12 weeks!
“We are going to be the best prepared Fiji team at a World Cup because of that extended time and in those nine games we will have time to try different combinations and to really gel.
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“You just look at our back row options with Viliame Mata, our own Nemani Negusa, and Peceli Yato and backs like Niki Goneva here at Newcastle along with Josua Tuisova ad Semi Radradra who are the best in their teams. I am excited to have the easy job of just passing them the ball!”
Bottom-placed Newcastle face Sale at Newcastle’s United’s famous St James’ Park on Saturday and it is a game the Falcons must win as they trail Worcester by three points.
Matavesi added:“There are a lot of islanders in the Newcastle team and we enjoy playing together and there is a natural sparkle and great culture in the whole squad. We have our internationals back and Mark Wilson was straight into training on Monday. He didn’t waste any time and I shows how much the team means to everyone.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Sly 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.
9 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.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to comments