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Semi Radradra returns for Fiji's clash with Canada

Semi Radradra of Fiji scores against Scotland. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)

Head coach John McKee has made a number of changes to his side for this weekend’s match with Canada – including the return of fan-favourite Semi Radradra.

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Fiji went down 34-21 in Kaimashi against a strong Japanese side last week after drawing their series with the Maori All Blacks.

In order to get their Pacific Nations Cup defence back on track, McKee has brought in Semi Radradra, who has sat out Fiji’s first matches of the year due to injury. Radradra last played for the Flying Fijians in their historical win over France last November.

Radradra will be partnered in the midfield by Jale Vatubua, who lined up alongside Radradra in Paris last year.

A new halves combination is also on the cards, with Henry Seniloli and Newcastle Falcon Josh Matavesi pairing up. This will be Matavesi’s first start of the year after coming off the bench in the two previous matches.

An entirely new back three will combine to take on Canada, with Perpignan’s Eroni Sau and Toulon’s Josua Tuisova on the wings and Kini Murimurivalu at fullback.

In the forwards, lock Leone Nakarawa will take over as captain from Dominiko Waqaniburotu, who gets a rest after starting all three of Fiji’s matches to date. Nakarawa will be joined by Tevita Ratuva to lock out the scrum. Peceli Yato will take Waqaniburotu’s place in the 6 jersey.

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There’s also an all-new front row for the Fijians: Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto will pack down at hooker, alongside Campese Ma’afu and Peni Ravai.

All in all, McKee has made 12 changes to the match day squad which probably didn’t earn enough go forward against Japan before they tried to get tricky with the ball in hand.

“They will come out strong and will play a physical game against us,” McKee said of Canada, who also lost their first game of the competition.

“They will make us work very hard for everything in the game. They will scrap for every contest and possession.”

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Saturday’s match kicks off at 5:15PM local time and will be played at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji.

Fiji team to play Canada:

  1. Campese Ma’afu
  2. Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto
  3. Peni Ravai
  4. Leone Nakarawa (c)
  5. Tevita Ratuva
  6. Peceli Yato
  7. Semi Kunatani
  8. Viliame Mata
  9. Henry Seniloli
  10. Josh Matavesi
  11. Eroni Sau
  12. Jale Vatubua
  13. Semi Radradra
  14. Josua Tuisova
  15. Kini Murimurivalu
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O
Oh no, not him again? 2 hours ago
England internationals disagree on final play execution vs All Blacks

Okay, so we blew it big time on Saturday. So rather than repeating what most people have all ready said, what do I want to see from Borthwick going forward?


Let's keep Marcus Smith on the pitch if he's fit and playing well. I was really pleased with his goal kicking. It used to be his weakness. I feel sympathy for George Ford who hadn't kicked all match and then had a kick to win the game. You hear pundits and commentators commend kickers who have come off the bench and pulled that off. Its not easy. If Steve B continues to substitute players with no clear reason then he is going to get criticised.


On paper I thought England would beat NZ if they played to their potential and didn't show NZ too much respect. Okay, the off the ball tackles certainly stopped England scoring tries, but I would have liked to see more smashing over gainlines and less kicking for position. Yes, I also know it's the Springbok endorsed world cup double winning formula but the Kiwi defence isn't the Bok defence, is it. If you have the power to put Smith on the front foot then why muzzle him? I guess what I'm saying is back, yourself. Why give the momentum to a team like NZ? Why feed the beast? Don't give the ball to NZ. Well d'uh.


Our scrum is a long term weakness. If you are going to play Itoje then he needs an ogre next door and a decent front row. Where is our third world class lock? Where are are realible front row bench replacements? The England scrum has been flakey for a while now. It blows hot and cold. Our front five bench is not world class.


On the positive side I love our starting backrow right now. I'd like to see them stick together through to the next world cup.


Anyway, there is always another Saturday.

7 Go to comments
C
CO 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

28 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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