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World Cup quarter-final spot on the line as Fiji aim to tip up Wallabies
By Alex McLeod
Only once in Fiji's 32-year World Cup history have the Pacific Islanders ever qualified for the knockout rounds of the quadrennial tournament.
That was, of course, in France 12 years ago.
Led by the likes of skipper Mosese Rauluni, star flyhalf Nicky Little, veteran loose forward Akapusi Qera, versatile five-eighth Seremaia Bai and speedster Vilimoni Delasau, the Flying Fijians shocked the world by upsetting Wales 38-34 in the final match of Pool B in Nantes.
In doing so, they secured their group's second qualifying berth for the World Cup quarter-finals behind Australia, thus sending the Six Nations powerhouses home early.
An admirable performance in a losing effort in their only last eight appearance to date against eventual champions South Africa in Marseilles saw Ilivasi Tabua's side give the Springboks a massive fright before going down 37-20.
It remains Fiji's best-ever showing at a World Cup, with their next two World Cup campaigns in 2011 and 2015 falling well short of the awe-inspiring success that the class of 2007 provided.
While their downfall in New Zealand came down to ill-preparation and poor performances, they were placed alongside England, Wales and Australia in the 'Pool of Death' four years ago, leaving them with little chance of reaching the knockout stages for a second time.
It did, however, help head coach John McKee lay the foundations for this current World Cup cycle, and with an extra four years at the helm of the national side, Fiji looked primed to cause a stir in Japan.
Of all tier two nations playing in the Far East over the next seven weeks, Fiji are being heralded as one of two genuine chances of reaching the knockout stages, with the hosts also considered a realistic prospect for a quarter-final finish.
Those inklings stem from a sustained run of success since England 2015, whereby the have maintained a 62.5 percent win rate, claimed a hat-trick of Pacific Nations Cup titles and won three clashes against tier one nations - including their famous 21-14 victory over France in Paris last year.
That win in the French capital emphasised the dangerous attacking ability that Fiji possess, especially with powerful wingers Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova on the end of their backline.
Both players dotted down at the Stade de France 10 months ago, and both will don the No. 11 and No. 14 jerseys on Saturday when Fiji open their 2019 World Cup campaign against Australia in Sapporo.
Their barnstorming services will again be integral to Fiji attaining a result out of tomorrow's clash, as this fixture presents itself as the best opportunity McKee's team has at making the final eight for the first time since 2007.
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As two-time winners of this tournament, the Wallabies have a proud and storied history throughout test rugby.
But while Michael Cheika and his side head into this World Cup with the aim of claiming the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time, many view Australia as arguably one more vulnerable tier one countries.
Since the last World Cup, their run of Bledisloe Cup misfortune has been extended to 17 years, they've fallen as low as seventh on the world rankings, and are still yet to put together a string of commanding performances which would establish their title credentials.
Last year, Cheika's side picked up just four wins from 13 outings, and while a compelling 47-26 victory against a 14-man All Blacks outfit in Perth last month certainly would have caught the attention of many worldwide, their follow-up display - a 36-0 thrashing at the hands of a full-strength New Zealand in Auckland just a week later - did a lot to dispel any notion of how threatening the Wallabies could be in Japan.
The integration of a new halves combination between former Brumbies duo Nic White and Christian Lealiifano has, admittedly, brought with it a breathe of fresh air into the Australian set-up, as has the re-call of James O'Connor from international wilderness.
It's proven to be a smart call as he complements the skill set of his midfield partner Samu Kerevi well.
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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