Australia’s opposition in their first Rugby World Cup match, Fiji, have today revealed the side they’ll take to the Sapporo Dome for Saturday afternoon’s clash.
Former NRL star Semi Radradra has been named on the wing despite playing at outside centre for much of the Top 14 season with Bordeaux.
Fiji enter the World Cup ranked ninth on the World Rugby rankings – just three places below Australia. They’ll be quietly confident of contending with the Wallabies and Wales for a knockout stage spot out of Pool D.
1. Campese Ma’afu, 2. Samuel Matavesi, 3. Peni Ravai, 4. Tevita Gavubati, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7. Peceli Yato, 8. Villiame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Semi Radradra, 12. Levani Botia, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14. Josua Tuisova, 15. Kini Murimurivalu
Reserves: 16. Veremalua Vugakoto, 17. Mosese Voka, 18. Eroni Mawi, 19. Nikola Matawalu, 20. Manasa Saulo, 21. Alivereti Veitokani, 22. Tevita Ratuva, 23. Vereniki Goneva
soapit
Roar Guru
not clear exactly what ur talking about. the tackle that is being referred to is the one mortlock made on sbw when he was playing for the barbarians, just after he made the switch. a lot was made of it at the time, which didnt mention the guy had hardly played the game (would need to fact check whether it was his first game or not but it was close). i think since then he improved massively and when he came back from france was an excellent rugby player. not sure what your claim relates to out of all that
piru
Roar Rookie
All this excitement about the Saturday games, and we've not really spoken about the opener. Has anyone any idea on start times etc for the first game and (I assume) the opening ceremony?
Andy F
Roar Rookie
Oh that’s BS. He had two seasons with Toulon, a full season with Canterbury in Super rugby and ITM and a full European tour with the AB’s (where he won MOTM in his 2nd test). Just give credit where it’s due and move on.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
One of my most surprising and pleasurable moments in recent Bledisloe matches was Kurtley owning SBW with a huge hit. So unlikely
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Bloody outrage to find there are two Australians in the Fijian side. This Pacific Island rugby poaching must stop
soapit
Roar Guru
doesnt hurt to be tackling a guy who hasnt played the game before and has a helluva lot to be thinking about constantly ken of course rugby players can tackle. that tackle is not evidence of much. sonny billwas barely figuring out which direction to run. i think sbw has shown plenty of physical dominance against wallabies in games since he got a handle on the sport.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
I am sure there is a plan Neil. I’ll never forget SBWs first ever touch post NRL against the Wallabies. Mortlock welcomed him to the ‘non-tackling’ code with something that looked a lot like a tackle. Having said that they didn’t christen Semi ‘SemiTrailer’ for no reason.
Mark
Guest
Volavola is a weakness, but he is a fly-half (and that's where Fiji have picked him). Veitokani is a better player (both at fly-half and at fullback).
Mel R
Roar Rookie
This is a full strength Fiji team with all the big guns.The only weakness I see is the fringe Waratah Ben Volavola who is a fullback. Anyway we need to bring our A game, not sure if Pooper is the solution? If they ca'nt slow the ball down its going to be a hard day at the office. Fiji back row much taller! Would have thought LSL would have been a better fit for this game...
Joe
Roar Rookie
If either of those centers get through as well it will be curtains for Kurtley.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Tackling has been an optional thing for Aussie fullbacks for a some years now :silly: :sick: :crying:
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
With Radradra on one wing, and Tuisova (nickname, The Bus) on the other, I hope for Kurtley's health neither gets through for a one-on-one with him. There will be absolutely no sidestepping required or seen.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
So I guess the plan is for Semi to be heavily involved in the inside channels.