Semi Radradra stars on debut as Fiji lift Pacific Nations Cup
Fiji wrapped up their fourth consecutive World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup title and their fifth in total after coming from behind to defeat Georgia 37-15 in the all-important match at the ANZ Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
Having failed to pick up any bonus points from the game Georgia had to settle for a third-place finish with Tonga taking the runners-up spot thanks to their 28-18 win over Samoa.
The top two nations will now play each other outside of the competition, at the same venue next Saturday, as the build-up to Rugby World Cup 2019 continues apace. Georgia, meanwhile, will get an early taste of Japan ahead of their participation at the first Rugby World Cup to be held in Asia with a test against the Brave Blossoms in Aichi.
Samoa’s immediate task is to confirm their place at Japan 2019 with home-and-away games against the European play-off winner – Germany or Portugal, on 30 June and 14 July, deciding which route they take. Win and the Islanders will go forward to Pool A as the Play-Off Winner, lose and they face a four-way battle to secure the final ticket at the global repechage tournament in November.
Scrum-half Henry Seniloli scored two first-half tries and his 64th-minute replacement Frank Lomani added a brace late on as Fiji overturned a five-point half-time deficit to beat RWC 2019 Pool D opponents Georgia 37-15 and successfully defend the Pacific Nations Cup.
Playing at a high tempo, Fiji looked a constant threat from the off and after falling behind to Soso Matiashvili’s early penalty, Seniloli struck twice in the space of three minutes. For his first, the scrum-half pounced on the loose ball after it squirted out from a five-metre scrum following a superb shove from the Fijian pack, while the second came from good work by the backs, debutant Semi Radradra putting his team-mate away with an inside pass after the Lelos were left short of numbers in defence.
Credit: World Rugby
Neither try was converted and Georgia started to work their way back into the contest as errors crept into Fiji’s play. On the stroke of half-time, the Lelos went in front after the forwards made good ground down the middle and Lasha Khmaladze threw a long miss-pass that bypassed Vereniki Goneva and found Alexander Todua unmarked wide on the left.
Georgia could not sustain their effort after the break, however, and the second half firmly belonged to Fiji who entertained the crowd with their offloading game with the likes of Leone Nakarawa, Radradra and Goneva looking dangerous every time they touched the ball.
Jale Vatubua started the run of 27 unanswered points in the 50th minute when he ran a hard line and took a short pass from Seniloli after another sold scrum from the Fijian pack. Nemani Nadolo kicked the penalty and added a 55th-minute penalty to hand the reigning champions a 20-15 lead.
Lomani got in on the act to score twice, the second coming in the 79th minute, but there was still just enough time for Radradra to touch down in stoppage time from a few metres out and cap a fine test debut.
Credit: World Rugby
Fiji captain Akapusi Qera said: “Georgia came out strong in the first half and we just want to thank the Lord Almighty for giving us the strength and the spirit of unity and love that we can fight again in the second half and manage to win the game. It was a tough game so hats off to the boys. That is the level we need to play every game but the Georgia team will be a different team when we play them again in 2019.”
Comments on RugbyPass
$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
2 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!
1 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?
10 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!).
2 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.
2 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.
10 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.
10 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.
10 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“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to comments