1
Semi Radradra returns for Fiji's clash with Canada
Head coach John McKee has made a number of changes to his side for this weekend’s match with Canada – including the return of fan-favourite Semi Radradra.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fiji went down 34-21 in Kaimashi against a strong Japanese side last week after drawing their series with the Maori All Blacks.
In order to get their Pacific Nations Cup defence back on track, McKee has brought in Semi Radradra, who has sat out Fiji’s first matches of the year due to injury. Radradra last played for the Flying Fijians in their historical win over France last November.
Radradra will be partnered in the midfield by Jale Vatubua, who lined up alongside Radradra in Paris last year.
A new halves combination is also on the cards, with Henry Seniloli and Newcastle Falcon Josh Matavesi pairing up. This will be Matavesi’s first start of the year after coming off the bench in the two previous matches.
An entirely new back three will combine to take on Canada, with Perpignan’s Eroni Sau and Toulon’s Josua Tuisova on the wings and Kini Murimurivalu at fullback.
In the forwards, lock Leone Nakarawa will take over as captain from Dominiko Waqaniburotu, who gets a rest after starting all three of Fiji’s matches to date. Nakarawa will be joined by Tevita Ratuva to lock out the scrum. Peceli Yato will take Waqaniburotu’s place in the 6 jersey.
ADVERTISEMENT
There’s also an all-new front row for the Fijians: Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto will pack down at hooker, alongside Campese Ma’afu and Peni Ravai.
All in all, McKee has made 12 changes to the match day squad which probably didn’t earn enough go forward against Japan before they tried to get tricky with the ball in hand.
“They will come out strong and will play a physical game against us,” McKee said of Canada, who also lost their first game of the competition.
“They will make us work very hard for everything in the game. They will scrap for every contest and possession.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Saturday’s match kicks off at 5:15PM local time and will be played at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji.
Fiji team to play Canada:
- Campese Ma’afu
- Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto
- Peni Ravai
- Leone Nakarawa (c)
- Tevita Ratuva
- Peceli Yato
- Semi Kunatani
- Viliame Mata
- Henry Seniloli
- Josh Matavesi
- Eroni Sau
- Jale Vatubua
- Semi Radradra
- Josua Tuisova
- Kini Murimurivalu
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
51 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
51 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
51 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
51 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
51 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
51 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
51 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 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.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to comments