Radradra's mouthwatering potential partnership with All Blacks star
Bristol Bears shocked the rugby world on Wednesday by announcing the signing of one of the most in-demand players on the planet, Fiji’s Semi Radradra from next season.
After some sensational displays during the Rugby World Cup, particularly against Georgia and Wales, Radradra truly announced himself as a global superstar in union. As a result, there were reports that the Bordeaux star may be making a return to league with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL, amongst a host of other suitors. However, Pat Lam’s side have come out on top, and will have the Fijian at Ashton Gate for three years.
There are few bigger names than Radradra to arrive in the Gallagher Premiership, and, as expected, this has generated a lot of attention. While Bristol fans are clearly anticipating this arrival most, a player of the 27-year-old’s calibre is a welcome addition to the league, and that is felt by fans across England.
One thing that looks most enticing about the Fijian’s arrival is his partnership with Charles Piutau, forming one of the most devastating back threes in Europe.
The former All Black is already Bristol’s most dangerous back, with electric feet in the wider channels. During his time with Wasps, Ulster and now Bristol Piutau has proven to be one of the most lethal broken field runners in the northern hemisphere. The addition of Radradra to the mix will test even the most frugal defences.
https://twitter.com/randallmunro/status/1199621281408110593?s=20
https://twitter.com/Noncombination/status/1199612572590317569?s=20
Bristol Bears announce the signing of Semi Radrada from 2020/2021. Three year deal. Piutau and Radrada in the same backline. Opposition defenders will taping up those ankles.
— Alfred Reynolds (@AlfredReynolds5) November 27, 2019
The former Toulon man showed at the RWC that he has such a range of skills in attack, as he makes the game look so easy by gliding past defenders out wide. With world-class offloading and power, Radradra and Piutau will undoubtedly light up the Premiership, and even the Champions Cup next season.
With former Wallaby Luke Morahan expected to be on the other wing, there will not only be threats from both flanks, but the chances of him scoring more tries will only increase with such potency inside him.
https://twitter.com/marcello95cf/status/1199631416608342016?s=20
https://twitter.com/ChrisMortley_/status/1199611240064147458?s=20
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What makes this Radradra-Piutau partnership so engrossing as well is that both players are comfortable in the centres, in fact, outside centre probably suits the Bordeaux man best given the way he effortlessly coasts past outside shoulders. With Piutau potentially inside him at twelve, Lam does not even have the worry about the two being starved of the ball. Then again, with the likes of Steven Luatua, Nathan Hughes and co. in the pack, that is unlikely.
https://twitter.com/ConorJQ/status/1199610118939332608?s=20
It looks for the moment that Charles Piutau and Semi Radradra will be on the same team next year #Woshkabomy
Luke Morahan is going to score so many walk-in tries
— @bhhooker.bsky.social (@BHHooker) November 27, 2019
The biggest fear is that Radradra arrival signals the end of Piutau’s time in the west, as his contract expires at the end of the season. That would be disheartening for many, who already have visions of those two at Ashton Gate next season.
The Bears already look to be a force this season, but they will have firepower next season that very few sides can match.
Comments on RugbyPass
100% 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?
8 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
8 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
8 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.
8 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 commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
7 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to comments