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'Full Rupeni mode' - Fans want Semi Radradra in contention for World Rugby Player of the Year 2020
By Online Editors
After a slow night in his first appearance for Bristol in the first round of the Premiership restart, Fijian superstar Semi Radradra has been a force to be reckoned with ever since over the first month of Premiership action.
Much to the delight of the third-placed Bears, Radradra has delivered at centre to keep Bristol firmly in the Premiership race. Since the restart, Radradra has the second most line breaks of any player, the most defenders beaten of any player, and an astounding 19 offloads which is six better than the next best.
Radradra's attacking form has proven he is one of the game's premier talents with the ball in hand, with fans comparing him to another Fijian legend, Rupeni Caucaunibuca.
One fan said he is 'going full Rupeni in Europe' right now, adding that there is a 'decent argument' to be made that he is the best player on the planet right now. Another said he is better than whoever will win World Rugby's Player of the Year award, suggesting Radradra would again get snubbed.
With the uncertainty around the international calendar due to Covid disruptions, this year might be the year that Semi Radradra is able to garner a nomination based on his club form with Bristol with limited international rugby played.
The only international rugby played to date is the interrupted Six Nations, leaving the door ajar as to how World Rugby will decide the Player of the Year award. However, there is every possibility it isn't handed out in 2020 and resumed again in 2021 if international rugby on both hemispheres doesn't resume in the latter part of the year.
If Radradra isn't in contention, it wouldn't be the first time as many believed his form for Fiji in the 2019 Rugby World Cup was enough to earn a nomination. Radradra was a standout for Fiji in pool play and finished with some of the tournaments best stats before the finals.
If Radradra continues in his form for Bristol Bears he will give himself the best chance at finally being recognised by World Rugby.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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