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.
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.
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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
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
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.
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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
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly 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.
12 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.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 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
8 Go to comments