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Rugby league convert set for Test debut
By Online Editors
Former rugby league star Semi Radradra will make his rugby union test debut for Fiji against Georgia on Saturday.
Radradra - who previously played rugby league for NRL club Parramatta Eels - will start at centre in a backline which also includes France-based Nemani Nadolo on the wing, Ben Volavola at first-five for the Pacific Nations cup fixture in Suva.
Radradra was a standout this season for Top 14 giants Toulon and starred for the Barbarians team that beat England at Twickenham.
Kini Murimurivalu and Vereniki Goneva, try-scorers in Fiji's win over Samoa last weekend, return at fullback and on the right wing.
Georgia and Fiji will meet again in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
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Samoa have made nine changes to the starting lineup for Saturday's Test against Tonga.
Props Jordan Lay and Viliamu Afatia join hooker Seilala Lam to form all-new front row.
TJ Ioane starts in the No. 7 jersey and Jack Lam moves to No 8.
In the backline, Dwayne Polata'vao will start at first-five, Alofa Alofa at centre, and Paul Perez on the right wing.
Assistant coach and former Wallaby Chris Latham said Tonga would be hard to beat after their narrow loss to Georgia 16-15 last weekend.
"They will have a few tricks up their sleeves but we got to make sure that we look after ourselves, take care of the ball, and play the game on our terms," Latham said.
Tonga have made five changes, with Castres loose forward Sitivani Mafi joining the starting lineup and Maama Vaipulu joining the reserves.
Former Highlander and current Glasgow tighthead prop Siua Halanukonuka replaces Dave Lolohea.
David Halaifonua moves from wing to fullback in place of Sione Fifita. Viliami Lolohea fills in on the right wing, and former NRL winger Cooper Vuna replaces Penikolo Latu on the left.
LINEUPS
FIJI
Keni Murimurivalu, Vereniki Goneava, Semi Radradra, Jale Vatubua, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Henry Seniloli; Viliame Mata, Akapusi Qera (C), Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Leone Nakarawa, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Manasa Saulo, Ratu Vere Vugakot, Campese Ma'afu.
Reserves: Ratunaisa Navuma, Eroni Maw, Kalivati Tawake, Sikeli Nabou, Nemani Nagusa, Frank Lomani, Alivereti Veitokani, Timoci Nagusa.
GEORGIA
Soso Matiashvili, Tamaz Mchedlidze, Davit Katcharava, Lasha Malaguradze, Anzor Sitchinava, Sandro Todua, Lasha Khmaladze, Vasil Lobzhanidze; Otar Giorgadze, Vito Kolelishvili, Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Kote Mikautadze, Giorgi Nemsadze (C), Levan Chilachava, Shalva Mamukashvili, Kakha Asieshvili.
Reserves: Shalva Sutiashvili, Nodar Tcheishvili, Giorgi Melikidze, Zurab Zhvania, Giorgi Tchqoidze, Giorgi Begadze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Merab Kvirikashvili.
SAMOA
Ah See Tuala, Paul Perez, Alofa Alofa, Alapati Leiua, Sinoti Sinoti, Tusi Pisi, Dwayne Polataivao; Jack Lam, T.J. Ioane, Piula Faasalele, Chris Vui (C), Joe Tekori, Viliamu Afatia, Seilala Lam, Jordan Lay.
Reserves: Elia Elia, James Lay, Paul Alo-Emile, Brandon Nansen, Ofisa Treviranus, Melani Matavao, Rodney Iona, Ed Fidow.
TONGA
David Halaifonua, Viliami Lolohea, Nafi Tu'itavake, Siale Piutau (C), Cooper Vuna, Kurt Morath, Sonatane Takulua; Nasi Manu, Fotu Lokotui, Sitiveni Mafi, Joe Tu'ineau, Leva Fifita, Siua Halanukonuka, Paulo Ngauamo, Siegfried Fisi'ihoi.
Reserves: Sefo Sakalia, David Feao, Ben Tameifuna, Valentino Mapapalangi, Maama Vaipulu, Suke Tuumotooa, Latiume Fosita.
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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