1
World Cup quarter-final spot on the line as Fiji aim to tip up Wallabies
Only once in Fiji’s 32-year World Cup history have the Pacific Islanders ever qualified for the knockout rounds of the quadrennial tournament.
ADVERTISEMENT
That was, of course, in France 12 years ago.
Led by the likes of skipper Mosese Rauluni, star flyhalf Nicky Little, veteran loose forward Akapusi Qera, versatile five-eighth Seremaia Bai and speedster Vilimoni Delasau, the Flying Fijians shocked the world by upsetting Wales 38-34 in the final match of Pool B in Nantes.
In doing so, they secured their group’s second qualifying berth for the World Cup quarter-finals behind Australia, thus sending the Six Nations powerhouses home early.
An admirable performance in a losing effort in their only last eight appearance to date against eventual champions South Africa in Marseilles saw Ilivasi Tabua’s side give the Springboks a massive fright before going down 37-20.
It remains Fiji’s best-ever showing at a World Cup, with their next two World Cup campaigns in 2011 and 2015 falling well short of the awe-inspiring success that the class of 2007 provided.
ADVERTISEMENT
While their downfall in New Zealand came down to ill-preparation and poor performances, they were placed alongside England, Wales and Australia in the ‘Pool of Death’ four years ago, leaving them with little chance of reaching the knockout stages for a second time.
It did, however, help head coach John McKee lay the foundations for this current World Cup cycle, and with an extra four years at the helm of the national side, Fiji looked primed to cause a stir in Japan.
Of all tier two nations playing in the Far East over the next seven weeks, Fiji are being heralded as one of two genuine chances of reaching the knockout stages, with the hosts also considered a realistic prospect for a quarter-final finish.
Those inklings stem from a sustained run of success since England 2015, whereby the have maintained a 62.5 percent win rate, claimed a hat-trick of Pacific Nations Cup titles and won three clashes against tier one nations – including their famous 21-14 victory over France in Paris last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 2019 @rugbyworldcup is about to start on Friday and @alexshawsport power ranks all the 20 teams https://t.co/QK0oiz4juU
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 19, 2019
That win in the French capital emphasised the dangerous attacking ability that Fiji possess, especially with powerful wingers Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova on the end of their backline.
Both players dotted down at the Stade de France 10 months ago, and both will don the No. 11 and No. 14 jerseys on Saturday when Fiji open their 2019 World Cup campaign against Australia in Sapporo.
Their barnstorming services will again be integral to Fiji attaining a result out of tomorrow’s clash, as this fixture presents itself as the best opportunity McKee’s team has at making the final eight for the first time since 2007.
Continue reading below…
As two-time winners of this tournament, the Wallabies have a proud and storied history throughout test rugby.
But while Michael Cheika and his side head into this World Cup with the aim of claiming the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time, many view Australia as arguably one more vulnerable tier one countries.
Since the last World Cup, their run of Bledisloe Cup misfortune has been extended to 17 years, they’ve fallen as low as seventh on the world rankings, and are still yet to put together a string of commanding performances which would establish their title credentials.
Last year, Cheika’s side picked up just four wins from 13 outings, and while a compelling 47-26 victory against a 14-man All Blacks outfit in Perth last month certainly would have caught the attention of many worldwide, their follow-up display – a 36-0 thrashing at the hands of a full-strength New Zealand in Auckland just a week later – did a lot to dispel any notion of how threatening the Wallabies could be in Japan.
The integration of a new halves combination between former Brumbies duo Nic White and Christian Lealiifano has, admittedly, brought with it a breathe of fresh air into the Australian set-up, as has the re-call of James O’Connor from international wilderness.
It’s proven to be a smart call as he complements the skill set of his midfield partner Samu Kerevi well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2lMjOcI9XH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Although he’s been ruled unavailable for this match, untested teenager Jordan Petaia could also prove to be a game breaker, and David Pocock’s long-awaited return from injury will certainly bolster the Wallabies’ chances of success.
But there remains a lingering doubt about both how convincing Australia – who remain favourites for this match – will be against the plucky underdogs, and their chances of emerging from the pool with Six Nations champions Wales also present in the group.
Their victory against the reigning world champions in Perth is the only time in the past 12 months that they have put together a comprehensive display of rugby across the whole 80 minutes, but it came against an undermanned and deflated All Blacks side.
Here's how @AndyGoode10 reckons the World Cup is going to pan out in Japan
https://t.co/LQuGrxDvNv— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 19, 2019
Provided disciplinary issues don’t play a factor at Sapporo Dome, the Wallabies can be assured that Fiji will be neither of those things come Saturday.
Aiding their cause for a monumental upset in the north of Japan is the presence of captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Olympic gold medal-winners Leone Nakarawa, Semi Kunatani and Viliame Mata in the forward pack.
With a World Cup knockout spot on the line, they, along with Radradra, Tuisova and others in the backline, such as Ben Volavola, Waisea Nayacalevu and Frank Lomani, won’t be lacking any motivation to capture a historic result.
It will require an inspired performance to usurp the Wallabies, but if their result against France last year is anything to go by, then ambitions of replicating their feats of 2007 – which ride on the result of this game – won’t be out of reach for Fiji.
Recent Form:
Australia:
W 34-15 vs Samoa at Bankwest Stadium, Sydney (7/9)
L 0-36 vs New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland (17/8)
W 47-26 vs New Zealand at Optus Stadium, Perth (10/8)
W 16-10 vs Argentina at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (27/7)
L 17-35 vs South Africa at Ellis Park, Johannesburg (20/7)
Fiji:
W 29-19 vs Tonga at Eden Park, Auckland (31/8)
W 10-3 vs Samoa at ANZ National Stadium, Suva (10/8)
W 38-13 vs Canada at ANZ National Stadium, Suva (3/8)
L 21-34 vs Japan at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Kamaishi (27/7)
L 17-26 vs Maori All Blacks at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua (20/7)
Last Five Head-To-Head Results:
Australia 37-14 Fiji at AAMI Park, Melbourne (2017)
Australia 28-13 Fiji at Principality Stadium, Cardiff (2015)
Australia 49-3 Fiji at GIO Stadium, Canberra (2010)
Australia 55-12 Fiji at Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier (2007)
Australia 49-0 Fiji at Subiaco Oval, Perth (2007)
Playing Record
Australia wins: 18
Fiji wins: 2
Draw(s): 1
First meeting: Australia 15-9 Fiji at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney on 26 July 1952
Australia:
1. Scott Sio, 2. Tolu Latu, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Rory Arnold, 6. David Pocock, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Nic White, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Marike Koroibete, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. James O’Connor, 14. Reece Hodge, 15. Kurtley Beale.
Reserves: 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. James Slipper, 18. Sekope Kepu, 19. Adam Coleman, 20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 21. Will Genia, 22. Matt Toomua, 23. Dane Haylett-Petty.
Fiji:
1. Campese Ma’afu, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Peni Ravai, 4. Tevtia Cavubati, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7. Peceli Yato, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Semi Radradra, 12. Levani Botia, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14. Josua Tuisova, 15. Kini Murimurivalu.
Reserves: 16. Tuvere Vugatoko, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Manasa Saulo, 19. Tevita Ratuva, 20. Mosese Voka, 21. Nikola Matawalu, 22. Alivereti Veitokani, 23. Vereniki Goneva.
Kick-off time (local): 1:45pm
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
I really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
4 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
7 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
7 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
4 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
7 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
4 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
4 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
12 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
12 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
12 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
12 Go to comments