Semi Radradra 'best player at the Rugby World Cup'
Fiji finally clicked into gear at this year’s Rugby World Cup as they put Georgia to the sword at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Thursday.
John McKee’s side were only leading 7-3 at half time after the first 40 minutes were played in heavy rain. Fiji were allowed to play more freely after the rain cleared in the second stanza and their forwards laid the platform for their backs to run riot and take the game 45-10.
There were outstanding performances across the team, but winger Semi Radradra was undoubtedly the star of the match. Radrada scored two tries, nabbed three assists and ran for 177 metres.
Former British and Irish Lion Martyn Williams said on Twitter that it was the “Easiest Player of the Match I’ve ever had to call” as the Bordeaux back looked untouchable in the second half.
Former England Women's international and World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi was also full of plaudits for the former Paramatta Eel.
Radradra was one player that was tipped to shine at the RWC but failed to show what he is truly capable of in the first two games, as his side were severely underpar against Uruguay and even against Australia. He was given licence to play with freedom against Georgia, and regularly had the ball in his hands all across the park so that he could display his full range of skills in attack, running past defenders and offloading at will.
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Fiji coach John McKee was as impressed as anyone at Radradra's performance against the Georgians.
"Semi is a world-class player. He has been, by his standard, a little bit quiet at this World Cup, but showed today the quality that he can bring to the game," McKee said after the game.
Radradra is now being rightly praised on social media, with some fans describing him as the best player at the RWC. The former rugby league star has also attracted attention from NRL fans, and after rumours circulated before the RWC that he may be returning to league, the demand and interest in him will have skyrocketed in both codes.
This was the reaction to his performance:
Fiji face Wales next Wednesday in their final pool stage match of the RWC. Although they are all but out of the tournament, they will still pose a major threat to Warren Gatland’s men. Not only have Fiji been successful against Wales in the past, but they will still want to prove what they are capable of against the strongest opposition, and if they play like they did in the second half against Georgia, it should be a terrific match.
Fiji fans weren't happy with coach John McKee after his side's limp performance against Uruguay last week:
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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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