1
Rugby World Cup: Fiji player ratings vs Wallabies
The Wallabies survived a massive scare in their opening Rugby World Cup match, overcoming a nine-point second half deficit to run out 39-21 victors over Fiji in Sapporo.
ADVERTISEMENT
Here are our player ratings for the valiant Flying Fijians:
1. Campese Ma’afu – 4
Not much to write about and didn’t offer much around the park before being substituted midway through the second half. Only missed one of his 12 tackle attempts, and held his weight in a poor Fijian scrum, but just never really got out of first gear.
2. Sam Matavesi – 6
Was part of a crumbly tight five at scrum time, but snatched a vital turnover early in the second half to deny the Wallabies a try-scoring opportunity on the right edge. Threw well at lineout time.
Continue reading below…
3. Peni Ravai – 5
Enthusiastic, but not overly efficient. Conceded a handling error deep in his own territory inside the first quarter of the match and played a key part in a collectively poor scrummaging effort by the Fijian tight five, all of which eventually led to Michael Hooper’s try.
4. Tevita Cavubati – 6
ADVERTISEMENT
Not the strongest display by any stretch of the imagination, but it was an honest effort. Won two lineout throws, managed to steal one from the Wallabies and shifted his lofty frame around the park to make 13 tackles, but provided little on attack, and was prone to giving away a couple of penalties.
5. Leone Nakarawa – 7
Put Nic White under pressure defensively early on to force the penalty, which led to Fiji’s opening three points. The offloading flair that helped make him an Olympic champion three years ago was also evident at times. 14 tackles illustrated his high work rate, but slipped off four tackles, which wouldn’t have helped Fiji’s cause.
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu – 5
ADVERTISEMENT
A disappointing showing from the Fijian captain. Went missing throughout the contest, carrying for only two metres from two runs and completed the match with a tackle percentage of just 67 percent while giving away two penalties. Needs to show more leadership in Fiji’s next match against Uruguay.
7. Peceli Yato – 8
Sublime work at the breakdown and outstanding with ball in hand. Bagged himself a try, made a linebreak and stole a penalty at the breakdown all inside the first 15 minutes. A crying shame that an HIA ruled him out of action near the half hour mark.
High tackle sanction framework called into question after Australia-Fiji gamehttps://t.co/iPRBhRGP2a
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 21, 2019
8. Viliame Mata – 6
A quiet performance before being substituted at half-time. Never really got into the match, but there is still plenty of time for Edinburgh’s Olympic champion to prove his worth on the world stage.
9. Frank Lomani – 6
Worked hard all match long, and did better than his opposite Nic White, but the class of Australian sub Will Genia was evident upon his introduction in the second half. His box kicks will be a work-on for the new Melbourne Rebels signing.
10. Ben Volavola – 8
Fiji couldn’t have played so well in the first 50 minutes of this match without the exceptional composure of playmaker Ben Volavola. Has matured well since his World Cup debut against England at Twickenham four years ago. His time with the Crusaders, North Harbour and Racing 92 appears to have served him very well, as his tactical kicking and game management shone. Outplayed Christian Lealiifano, but the Australian’s departure near the 60th minute spelled the end of Volavola’s dominance.
11. Semi Radradra – 7
Not as barnstorming as his wing partner Tuisova, but still asked plenty of questions of the Australian defence. Latched onto the end of a Volavola cross kick to emphasise his aerial ability, and ran over a couple of players in green and gold for show his physical prowess. Ran for 45 metres and beat seven defenders, and will run riot against Uruguay in Fiji’s next match.
12. Levani Botia – 6
Blockbusting on defence, but a bit shaky on the other side of the ball. Provided plenty of impetus and turned the game on its head at times with his brutal rush defence, but over-eagerness on attack cost his side on occasion. Aggressiveness on defence eventually counted against him, as he was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle right in his own tryline.
13. Waisea Nayacalevu – 7
Played the role of link man between Tuisova and Yato very well in the lead up to the latter’s try early in the first half. Backed that up with a shuddering shot on Kurtley Beale to win his side a penalty, which eventually led to his side’s second try. Was then rewarded with an opportunistic try from a Lealiifano error to cap off a good performance in the No. 13 jersey, although defence will be a work-on after missing a third of his tackles.
14. Josua Tuisova – 8
Lived up to expectations with some strong, powerful carries down the right flank which put the Wallabies under pressure constantly. Effectively set-up his side’s first try inside the first 10 minutes. Sent Reece Hodge and James O’Connor flying with his powerful ball-running, and his effectiveness with ball in hand is reflected by his 53 running metres, four defenders beaten and one clean break. Could go on to be one of the stars of the tournament.
15. Kini Murimurivalu – 6
A quiet night for the Fiji fullback. Didn’t get an opportunity to showcase his talents with ball in hand, ending the match with just two carries and five metres from them. Will want to get more involved in his side’s forthcoming matches.
Reserves:
16. Tuvere Vugakoto – 6
Carried on from where Matavesi left off in terms of lineout throwing, but wasn’t that impressive elsewhere. One of many from the bench who were on the field when Fiji capitulated in the second half,
17. Eroni Mawi – 5
The Fijian scrum wasn’t any better or worse when Mawi was subbed onto the field alongside Saulo, but his work rate probably wasn’t high enough to yield the desired effect of his introduction into the match.
18. Manasa Saulo – 5
Similar effort to that of Mawi, but had a poorer showing on defence, missing two of his five tackle attempts.
19. Tevita Ratuva – 5
Came on in place of Mata at half-time, but it was a lacklustre showing from the Harlequins second rower. Missed three of his seven tackle attempts and didn’t offer anything on attack. Perhaps playing in his natural position of lock may have suited him better.
20. Mosese Voka – 6
Was Yato’s replacement in the first half, and although he didn’t live up to the standard that his replacement set inside the first 25 minutes, Voka ploughed through his work tirelessly. Maintained a 100 percent tackle rate from 12 attempts.
21. Nikola Matawalu – N/A
Didn’t get enough of a chance to involve himself in the match. Needed more game time.
22. Alivereti Veitokani – N/A
Little to no impact when introduced late in the piece.
23. Vereniki Goneva – N/A
Ditto Veitokani.
Comments on RugbyPass
I always enjoy a good scrum based article. Thanks, Nick. The Hurricanes are looking more and more the team to beat down here in Australasia. They are a very well balanced team. And though there are far fewer scrums in the game these days, destructive power in that area is a serious weapon, especially an attacking scrum within in the red zone. Aumua looked very good as a young first year player, but then seemed to fade. He sure is back now right in the picture for the AB’s. And I would judge that Taukei’aho is in a bit of a slump currently. Watching him at Suncorp a few weeks ago, I thought he was not as dominant in the game as I would have expected. I am going to raise an issue in that scrum at around the 13 min mark. I see a high level of danger there for the TH lifted off the ground. He is trapped between the opposition LH and his own powerful SR. His neck is being put under potentially dangerous pressure. The LH has, in law , no right to use his superior scrummaging skill….getting his head right in on the breastbone of the TH…..to force him up and off the ground. Had the TH popped out of the scrum, head up and free, there is no danger, that is a clear penalty to the dominant scrum. The law is quite clear on this issue: Law 37 Dangerous play and restricted practices in a scrum. C:Intentionally lifting an opponent off their feet or forcing them upwards out of the scrum. Sanction: Penalty. Few ,if any, referees seem to be aware of this law, and/or the dangers of the situation. Matthew Carly, refereeing Clermont v Munster in 2021, penalised the Munster scrum, when LH Wycherly was lifted very high, and in my view very dangerously, by TH Slimani. Lifting was coached in the late ‘60’s/70’s. Both Lions props, Ray McLouglin, and “Mighty Mouse” McLauchlan, were expert and highly successful at this technique. I have seen a photo, which I can’t find online atm, of MM with a NZ TH(not an AB) on his head, MM standing upright as the scrum disintegrates.
3 Go to commentsHey. Stay home and play for Mooloo.
1 Go to commentsTighthead was always going to be our weakness this year with Ryan going home to Ireland and the Cashed Up Blues taking a third All Black prop from us - nobody else in SR does that. Numia is the exciting one. He used to be a lightweight but he's really improved. Do you have stats on the All Black hookers’ lineouts for the game? I seem to remember a few misses.
3 Go to commentsFergus Burke isn't tier 1 player quality…but guess what, he'll be playing amongst them for Saracens…. all going well and Steve Borthwick is still the head coach, England...Scott Robertson’s hint of amending NZRU’s offshore AB eligibility clause, would mean that players like Josh Moorby who show potential might get a call…
4 Go to commentsThe movement of quality players back to SA is remarkable.
2 Go to commentsInteresting article, Nic. Am enjoying seeing the Rebels doing well, partly just to spite those who are working to wipe them off the face of the Australian rugby planet. But it is also good to see a team with somany good players beginning fire. LSL has benefitted so much from his move up to Northampton for the one year. I wonder why he did not stay on for another year. Does he now looks north and see his teammates of last year now doing so well, and have some regrets.
44 Go to comments“Over 80% of the World Cup squad are over 30” No it isn’t lol
2 Go to commentsTyrel Lomax the best AB prop since Carl Hayman. Absolutely destroyed the Boks in RWC Final and is monstering allcomers in Super this season. Should be a monster battle vs touring Poms, always deliver a power pack.
3 Go to commentsEye gouging seems like such a strong term for what can only be described as a poke in the eye. When I think of eye gouging I think of someone trying to intentionally pop someone’s eyeball out. it’s like calling a high-tackle attempted decapitation.
3 Go to commentsGreat article. No insights to add, just wanted to say that. :)
1 Go to commentsLeinster are going to win the world cup.
13 Go to commentsSuper Rugby desperately needs to lose at least 2, but up to 4 teams. Rebels quietly going bankrupt would have made that a bit easier. Teams like the Rebels and Force serve only to weaken Australian Rugby and Super Rugby more widely. In 13 years in the comp the Rebels are yet to win more games than they lose in a season, have never finished in the top half of the competition, and have come dead last a number of times. The Western Force, barring a brief stint of mediocrity under John Mitchell from 2007-2009 have been even worse. Sadly it’s hard to see a future for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby. Likewise I think the writing is on the wall for the Highlanders, it’s hard to see how NZ rugby can continue to support 5 SR teams, and population distribution suggests one team in the south island would make the most sense.
44 Go to commentsNice that Connor Evans is happy to stay on here, that JD Schikerling is returning and Steven Kitshoff. Dobbo is careful to bring back just anybody but having a new financial lease of life, it has made the Stormers a more attractive club. On top of being good quality, having the financial backing helps a lot
1 Go to commentsEngland-qualified too, I believe.
1 Go to commentsThis might turn out to be emblematic of a real issue in Irish rugby. Ireland have one of the best -if not the best - senior sides in the world, and one of the best under 20s sides as well, but don’t seem to be giving graduating under20s players many opportunities to break through into URC starting lineups. There is a risk that a lot of the junior talent they are developing will either be wasted, or lost to other nations.
1 Go to commentsYou ask good questions, Nick. The group who have put together the proposal to play out of Tarneit and participate in the growing of the ground’s capacity are not a bunch of white knights who have been dragged in post-crisis; they were around whilst the Rebels accummulated $23m in debt. Why do we come up with ideas that might make the franchise affordable after it’s broke and not when it might have prevented the trainwreck this offseason was? As for Gordon/Kellaway v Lolesio/Wright, they are both good options. I think the former are better rugby players but the goal kicking of Noah may be decisive when Schmiddy makes his choices. I know Harry Jones has the hots for Edmed but I think it’s one of his few poor choices and he and Jorgensen aren’t close to the other pairs. By coincidence, the wife and I went into town over the weekend to watch Brian Cox and Patricia Clarkson in Long Day’s Journey into Night. Beautifully acted but it was 3.5 hours in the chair and very hard work. Like the Rebels, there were only small bursts of joy to go with a lot of bad news and a depressing story line. In the end, I was hoping it would end and I could give my sore butt a break. Again, familiar.
44 Go to commentsGood decision, very good player but not international quality. But so was Jamison Gibson Park …..
4 Go to commentsLoose forwards always look good going forward and winning. It’s the same loose forwards for the Crusaders and the Canes this year as last year. Too much of the shiny new things getting noticed here while older consistent ones getting bagged. It’s early days. Calm the farm.
8 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
44 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
8 Go to comments