The depressing stat that shows how strong Fiji could be
France have named their side to face Scotland in Nice on Saturday night, with the Fiji born Clermont Auvergne winger Alivereti Raka set to make his test debut.
The 24-year-old became a French citizen at the end of 2018, and is now in line to make his much anticipated international bow.
But the Tier 2 Rugby Twitter account shared a surprising stat after this team was announced, that Raka will become the third Fijian-born player to debut for another country in the space of a month.
He joins Sevu Reece, who started for the All Blacks against Argentina in July, as well as Isi Naisarani, who started for Australia throughout the Rugby Championship.
For a long time now it has been the scourge of the Pacific Island nations that their players end up playing for wealthier nations, but it has perhaps never been more apparent that an instance like this.
It must be particularly annoying for Fiji, as it was speculated throughout the Super Rugby season that Reece may choose to play for the country of his birth. But what is most impressive is that Fiji are still a team that enter the World Cup with a lot of confidence and ambition, boasting some world-class players.
The likes of Leone Nakarawa, Bill Mata, Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova show Fiji have class all over the pitch, but there must be a feeling of what might have been. From England alone, they could have Nathan Hughes and Joe Cokanasiga, who were both born in Fiji (although Cokanasiga moved to England before he was one).
Players cannot be blamed for opting to play for various other countries, as this is ultimately their occupation, and is only lasts for a short period. But stats like these reveal the reality of international rugby currently, and the financial prowess of some teams, not to mention the potential Fiji would have should they manage to retain their players.
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Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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