1
Habosi back in the mix as Fiji name team to take on France
By Liam Heagney
Unbeaten Fiji have continued their build-up to the Rugby World Cup by naming their team to take on tournament hosts France this Saturday in Nantes.
The Fijians have arrived in Europe on the back of a three-match winning run in recent weeks over Japan, Samoa and Tonga and their latest XV includes a first appearance this year for winger Vinaya Habosi.
He was injured in a Top 14 match last season for Racing, and hasn’t played Test rugby since last November's Autumn Nations Series loss away to Ireland.
Head coach Simon Raiwalui said: “Habosi has been knocking at the door and finally he has got a chance to showcase his talent. It’s great news that he was cleared of an injury, and we are looking forward to seeing him and what he has to offer against France.
“This match is one of the best opportunities to test ourselves in various areas. The whole team has been working hard for the past few days since arriving at Pornic and we are ready.
"It’s a huge game for us as France have been playing really good rugby and with World Cup here, there is a lot of interest in rugby and in the French team who are always a tough opponent to beat.”
Fiji (vs France, Saturday):
15. Sireli Maqala
14. Josua Tuisova
13. Iosefo Masi
12. Semi Radradra (captain)
11. Vinaya Habosi
10. Caleb Muntz
9. Frank Lomani
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Tevita Ikanivere
3. Mesake Doge
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
6. Meli Derenalagi
7. Levani Botia
8. Viliame Mata
Replacements:
16. Sam Matavesi
17. Peni Ravai
18. Luke Tagi
19. Temo Mayanavanua
20. Albert Tuisue
21. Simione Kuruvoli
22. Jiuta Wainiqolo
23. Ilaisa Droasese
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Gloucester Rugby accounts reveal £3 million drop in turnover
3
Exeter Chiefs close to revealing new attack and backs coach
4
Edinburgh face anxious wait over Duhan van der Merwe
5
Latest Comments
The extent to which rugby pundits in NZ rely on their rose tinted spectacles really baffles me. Anton Lienert-Brown has been a good but nothing more player for a few seasons now. For an experienced player he gives a maddening amount of penalties and yellow cards too so I don’t give him any credit for all that experience.
If you had a clean slate and knew nothing about history, the guy wouldn’t be anywhere near people’s choice for 13 (or 12) if you only watch super rugby the last couple of seasons. Bailyn Sullivan / Billy Proctor / AJ Lam / Tavatavanawai to just just a few have all looked miles better than ALB.
How on earth does that end up with people saying he should be in the squad let alone starting. We have to move on from these type of players - he was never a great player and we have so many alternate options.
There is a group of mediocre players that we need to clear out, or at least try other options. We know how limited that group are, now is the time to see if some other talent can step up (the time was last year, but anyway…).
Jacobson, ALB, Papali’i, Christie, Lord, Havili, Reece. Just move on from them all and try for some upside. Thank god Cane/Perenara have finally moved on because they were in this camp too.
Go to commentsI don't think that Razor would have had Mo’unga as back up to anyone! But in his absence DMac definitely deserved to start in Paris.
The system is working well but I hope they've reviewed whether they could have done anything more to retain Mo’unga & Frizell. As you say, could they have been more flexible?
Go to comments