Rugby World Cup: Fiji player ratings vs Wallabies

The Wallabies survived a massive scare in their opening Rugby World Cup match, overcoming a nine-point second half deficit to run out 39-21 victors over Fiji in Sapporo.

Here are our player ratings for the valiant Flying Fijians:

1. Campese Ma’afu – 4

Not much to write about and didn’t offer much around the park before being substituted midway through the second half. Only missed one of his 12 tackle attempts, and held his weight in a poor Fijian scrum, but just never really got out of first gear.

2. Sam Matavesi – 6 

Was part of a crumbly tight five at scrum time, but snatched a vital turnover early in the second half to deny the Wallabies a try-scoring opportunity on the right edge. Threw well at lineout time.

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3. Peni Ravai – 5

Enthusiastic, but not overly efficient. Conceded a handling error deep in his own territory inside the first quarter of the match and played a key part in a collectively poor scrummaging effort by the Fijian tight five, all of which eventually led to Michael Hooper’s try.

4. Tevita Cavubati – 6

Not the strongest display by any stretch of the imagination, but it was an honest effort. Won two lineout throws, managed to steal one from the Wallabies and shifted his lofty frame around the park to make 13 tackles, but provided little on attack, and was prone to giving away a couple of penalties.

5. Leone Nakarawa – 7

Put Nic White under pressure defensively early on to force the penalty, which led to Fiji’s opening three points. The offloading flair that helped make him an Olympic champion three years ago was also evident at times. 14 tackles illustrated his high work rate, but slipped off four tackles, which wouldn’t have helped Fiji’s cause.

6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu - 5

A disappointing showing from the Fijian captain. Went missing throughout the contest, carrying for only two metres from two runs and completed the match with a tackle percentage of just 67 percent while giving away two penalties. Needs to show more leadership in Fiji’s next match against Uruguay.

7. Peceli Yato – 8

Sublime work at the breakdown and outstanding with ball in hand. Bagged himself a try, made a linebreak and stole a penalty at the breakdown all inside the first 15 minutes. A crying shame that an HIA ruled him out of action near the half hour mark.

8. Viliame Mata – 6 

A quiet performance before being substituted at half-time. Never really got into the match, but there is still plenty of time for Edinburgh’s Olympic champion to prove his worth on the world stage.

9. Frank Lomani – 6 

Worked hard all match long, and did better than his opposite Nic White, but the class of Australian sub Will Genia was evident upon his introduction in the second half. His box kicks will be a work-on for the new Melbourne Rebels signing.

10. Ben Volavola – 8

Fiji couldn’t have played so well in the first 50 minutes of this match without the exceptional composure of playmaker Ben Volavola. Has matured well since his World Cup debut against England at Twickenham four years ago. His time with the Crusaders, North Harbour and Racing 92 appears to have served him very well, as his tactical kicking and game management shone. Outplayed Christian Lealiifano, but the Australian’s departure near the 60^th minute spelled the end of Volavola’s dominance.

11. Semi Radradra – 7

Not as barnstorming as his wing partner Tuisova, but still asked plenty of questions of the Australian defence. Latched onto the end of a Volavola cross kick to emphasise his aerial ability, and ran over a couple of players in green and gold for show his physical prowess. Ran for 45 metres and beat seven defenders, and will run riot against Uruguay in Fiji’s next match.

12. Levani Botia – 6

Blockbusting on defence, but a bit shaky on the other side of the ball. Provided plenty of impetus and turned the game on its head at times with his brutal rush defence, but over-eagerness on attack cost his side on occasion. Aggressiveness on defence eventually counted against him, as he was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle right in his own tryline.

13. Waisea Nayacalevu – 7

 Played the role of link man between Tuisova and Yato very well in the lead up to the latter’s try early in the first half. Backed that up with a shuddering shot on Kurtley Beale to win his side a penalty, which eventually led to his side’s second try. Was then rewarded with an opportunistic try from a Lealiifano error to cap off a good performance in the No. 13 jersey, although defence will be a work-on after missing a third of his tackles.