Rugby league convert set for Test debut
Former rugby league star Semi Radradra will make his rugby union test debut for Fiji against Georgia on Saturday.
Radradra – who previously played rugby league for NRL club Parramatta Eels – will start at centre in a backline which also includes France-based Nemani Nadolo on the wing, Ben Volavola at first-five for the Pacific Nations cup fixture in Suva.
Radradra was a standout this season for Top 14 giants Toulon and starred for the Barbarians team that beat England at Twickenham.
Kini Murimurivalu and Vereniki Goneva, try-scorers in Fiji’s win over Samoa last weekend, return at fullback and on the right wing.
Georgia and Fiji will meet again in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
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Samoa have made nine changes to the starting lineup for Saturday’s Test against Tonga.
Props Jordan Lay and Viliamu Afatia join hooker Seilala Lam to form all-new front row.
TJ Ioane starts in the No. 7 jersey and Jack Lam moves to No 8.
In the backline, Dwayne Polata’vao will start at first-five, Alofa Alofa at centre, and Paul Perez on the right wing.
Assistant coach and former Wallaby Chris Latham said Tonga would be hard to beat after their narrow loss to Georgia 16-15 last weekend.
“They will have a few tricks up their sleeves but we got to make sure that we look after ourselves, take care of the ball, and play the game on our terms,” Latham said.
Tonga have made five changes, with Castres loose forward Sitivani Mafi joining the starting lineup and Maama Vaipulu joining the reserves.
Former Highlander and current Glasgow tighthead prop Siua Halanukonuka replaces Dave Lolohea.
David Halaifonua moves from wing to fullback in place of Sione Fifita. Viliami Lolohea fills in on the right wing, and former NRL winger Cooper Vuna replaces Penikolo Latu on the left.
LINEUPS
FIJI
Keni Murimurivalu, Vereniki Goneava, Semi Radradra, Jale Vatubua, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Henry Seniloli; Viliame Mata, Akapusi Qera (C), Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Leone Nakarawa, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Manasa Saulo, Ratu Vere Vugakot, Campese Ma’afu.
Reserves: Ratunaisa Navuma, Eroni Maw, Kalivati Tawake, Sikeli Nabou, Nemani Nagusa, Frank Lomani, Alivereti Veitokani, Timoci Nagusa.
GEORGIA
Soso Matiashvili, Tamaz Mchedlidze, Davit Katcharava, Lasha Malaguradze, Anzor Sitchinava, Sandro Todua, Lasha Khmaladze, Vasil Lobzhanidze; Otar Giorgadze, Vito Kolelishvili, Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Kote Mikautadze, Giorgi Nemsadze (C), Levan Chilachava, Shalva Mamukashvili, Kakha Asieshvili.
Reserves: Shalva Sutiashvili, Nodar Tcheishvili, Giorgi Melikidze, Zurab Zhvania, Giorgi Tchqoidze, Giorgi Begadze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Merab Kvirikashvili.
SAMOA
Ah See Tuala, Paul Perez, Alofa Alofa, Alapati Leiua, Sinoti Sinoti, Tusi Pisi, Dwayne Polataivao; Jack Lam, T.J. Ioane, Piula Faasalele, Chris Vui (C), Joe Tekori, Viliamu Afatia, Seilala Lam, Jordan Lay.
Reserves: Elia Elia, James Lay, Paul Alo-Emile, Brandon Nansen, Ofisa Treviranus, Melani Matavao, Rodney Iona, Ed Fidow.
TONGA
David Halaifonua, Viliami Lolohea, Nafi Tu’itavake, Siale Piutau (C), Cooper Vuna, Kurt Morath, Sonatane Takulua; Nasi Manu, Fotu Lokotui, Sitiveni Mafi, Joe Tu’ineau, Leva Fifita, Siua Halanukonuka, Paulo Ngauamo, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Reserves: Sefo Sakalia, David Feao, Ben Tameifuna, Valentino Mapapalangi, Maama Vaipulu, Suke Tuumotooa, Latiume Fosita.
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Comments on RugbyPass
James Lowe wouldn't get in any other 6N team. He's a great example of Farrell’s brilliance, and the Irish system. He is slow. His footwork is poor. But he fits perfectly in that Irish system, and has a superb impact. But put him in another team, and he'll look bang average.
3 Go to commentsCrusaders reached their heights through recruitment of North Island players, often leaving those NI teams bereft of key players. Example: Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock robbed the Canes of their lineout and AB locks. For years the Canes have struggled at lock. This rabid recruitment was iniated by rule changes by a Crusader dominated NZR Head Office. Now this aggressive recruitment has back-fired, going after young inside back Hamilton Boys stars. They now have 4 Chiefs region 10s and not one with the requisite experience at Super level. Problems of their own making!
1 Go to commentsOver rated for a long time…exposed at scrum time too.
3 Go to comments“Firing me” should have been Gatland’s answer.
2 Go to commentsFinn Russell logic: “World” = 4 countries. Ireland may be at or near the top. FR’s bigger concern should be he and his fellow Scots (incl. the Bloemfontein ones) sliding back down to below top 10
42 Go to commentsMind games have begun. Ireland learned their lesson after saying they could beat England with 13 players or whatever. Still, if they win at Loftus, that would be impressive - final frontier etc.
58 Go to comments$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
3 Go to commentsFour Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
3 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
13 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
3 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
3 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
13 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
13 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
13 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments