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What Simon Raiwalui made of England's video nasty session
By Ian Cameron
Fijian head coach Simon Raiwalui has given his take on Fiji's recent win over England being replayed to Steve Bortwick's men ahead of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash in Marseille this weekend.
48 days ago Fiji secured their first-ever win over England, securing a 30-22 victory over Borthwick's men in Twickenham in the Rugby World Cup warm-ups.
Defence coach Kevin Sinfield reportedly made his England player re-watch the video nasty in the lead-up to their Rugby World Cup rematch seven weeks later. The footage presumably was as much about motivation ahead of this weekend's match as it was about video analysis.
While it was a massive win in the history of Fijian rugby, Raiwalui dismissed its relevance to this week's seismic clash.
"It's a different match," said Raiwalui was asked about Sinfield's video session. "It's a World Cup, a knockout match now. It's win or go home. Having played them, there's an understanding of some of the things that they do. They have progressed since that match, playing well. It's good that we had that chance to play them but it's a totally different match."
The former second row - who once played for Saracens - described England as a good tournament team.
"There was a lot in the press and the general public about the way they were playing before the actual World Cup but they play a brand of rugby to win the game, so tactically very good, [with a] powerful and creative set-piece so we're expecting those challenges to come at us this weekend.
"They will look at the some of the things we've done and see how they can try to exploit us. We had the chance to play them at Twickenham so we kind of know each other a little bit, how we play. They will come at us with certain challenges and we understand that."
He also had a word for hooker Sam Matavesi, who tragically lost his father earlier in the week.
"He came back in this morning. He was adamant that he wanted to be here. He's a fantastic young man, very good on his details, so there are no worries there. It's just a matter of him grieving but I have no doubt that he will be ready to play."
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. 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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