2023-08-28 03:27:36
Taking advantage of the poor form of Wales and relying on a framework with many experienced players, playing in particular in the Top 14, the Fijians can hope to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007, an edition disputed then already in France. This will require getting rid of the Welsh but also the Georgians, who are gaining momentum and could come and shake up the players from the Pacific.
The story
During the World Cup, the Fijians will establish their base camp in the facilities of CA Lormont Hauts de Garonne, a Fédérale 2 club. Former Fijian international Julian Vulakora, who worked for Racing 92 between 2006 and 2009, notably played in this club at the end of his career.
Fiji XV form
The Fijians are back to their best form. Eliminated in the first round at the last World Cup and surprised by Uruguay during this group stage, the Fijians struggled to raise their heads. Slapped twice by New Zealand and hooked by Georgia in 2021, they had to settle for a victory against Spain to reassure themselves. A meager loot, especially since the year 2022 has not been brighter. Despite an initial victory over Tonga, the Pacific players fell to their Samoan neighbors and the reserve team of Australia. The 2023 Pacific Nations Cup, disputed a month ago, nevertheless came to reassure them, with three clear victories and a deserved title. Valiant against France in a warm-up match before surprising weak English players at Twickenham, the Fijians arrive in France with rising confidence.
Fiji match schedule
The list of 33
Pillars: Mesake Doge, John Koroiduadua, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake.
Heels: Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama.
Second lines: Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila.
Troisièmes lignes : Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Levani Botia, Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata, Vilive Miramira, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue.
Meet demigods: Simeone Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu.
Fly-half: Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela.
Centers : Sireli Maqala, Iosefo Masi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Josua Tuisova.
Wingers/backs: Ilaise Droasese, Vinaya Habosi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Juita Wainiqolo.
The probable composition
As usual, Fiji present an XV with twirling backs and full of players known from our Top 14 (Tuisova, Waisea, Radrada…). If the names are a little less high-sounding in front, the Fijian collective seems very serious.
Player to watch: Levani Botia
Former prison guard and rugby sevens player in Fiji, Levani Botia arrived at Stade Rochelais in 2014 as a medical joker for Gonzalo Canale. So in Pro D2, the Maritimes will, like the third line, progress considerably, to win the Champions Cup twice. And no matter the level, the Fijian delivers every time. An inveterate fighter, Levani Botia excels in rucks, where he watches for the slightest scratch ball. Extremely powerful, he sometimes fishes by excess of commitment, which earned him several expulsions, in particular during the Champions Cup final in 2021 against Stade Toulouse.
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