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'They are barely looking at us... for them, it's just a training session'
By PA
Fiji boss Vern Cotter has suggested Saturday’s Test match in Dublin is nothing more than a “training session” to hosts Ireland due to their focus being on greater challenges.
Andy Farrell’s side go into the middle game of their autumn campaign having downed world champions South Africa and with Australia on the horizon.
The Flying Fijians have never beaten the nation currently top of the world rankings, losing each of the four previous meetings.
Head coach Cotter, who has made three personnel changes following last weekend’s defeat to Scotland, talked down the prospect of snapping that run, suggesting the game is a learning exercise opposed to a genuine contest.
“We will have to step up against Ireland,” he said, according to fijirugby.com.
“The game against South Africa has given them an enormous amount of confidence and they are barely looking at us because they have Australia the week after.
“For them, it’s just a training session and for us, it’s a game where we can learn so we will use this opportunity to get better.”
Cotter has recalled Teti Tela in place of Vilimoni Botitu at fly-half following the 28-12 loss at Murrayfield, while lock Isoa Nasilasila comes in for Temo Mayanavanua.
Seta Tuicuvu moves to full-back to fill the void left by the injured Kini Murimurivalu, giving Jiuta Wainiqolo an opportunity on the right wing.
Fiji team: S Tuicuvu; J Wainiqolo, W Nayacalevu, K Ravouvou, V Habosi; T Tela, F Lomani; E Mawi, S Matavesi, M Saulo, I Nasilasila, R L Rotuisolia, A Tuisue, L Botia, V Mata.
Replacements: M Dolokoto, L Natave, L Atalifo, A Ratuniyarawa, J Dyer, S Kuruvoli, B Volavola, A Cocagi.
Ireland team: J O’Brien (Leinster); R Baloucoune (Ulster), R Henshaw (Leinster), S McCloskey (Ulster), M Hansen (Connacht); J Carbery (Munster), J Gibson-Park (Leinster); J Loughman (Munster), R Herring (Ulster), T Furlong (Leinster, capt), K Treadwell (Ulster), T Beirne (Munster), C Doris (Leinster), N Timoney (Ulster), J Conan (Leinster).
Replacements: D Sheehan (Leinster), C Healy (Leinster), T O’Toole (Ulster), C Prendergast (Connacht), M Deegan (Leinster), C Casey (Munster), J Crowley (Munster), G Ringrose (Leinster).
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I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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