'They are barely looking at us... for them, it's just a training session'
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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Good summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
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