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'This year is a big year and Fiji has got the confidence to beat big teams'

Vereniki Goneva. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Vereniki Goneva believes Fiji’s stunning 21-14 historic first victory over France proved they can be a major force at the Rugby World Cup in Japan where they line up against Australia, Wales Georgia and Uruguay.

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Goneva, 34, is experiencing a mixed season with his club Newcastle in the Gallagher Premiership where they are currently bottom of the table having finished fourth last season. Newcastle did record back-to-back European Champions Cup wins over Montpellier and Toulon but avoiding relegation is the priority for the flying wing. He told the FRU website: “This season for Newcastle has been tough with many injuries, but there are still a few games to go. I am still enjoying my time here with Newcastle within rugby and outside rugby. Main aim for me is to keep fit and healthy. Mentally, physically and most of all spiritually.

“I have a few highlights from 2018 but (the top one) has got to be beating France on the November Tour. That game showed some confidence and courage from the boys. One thing for sure is that our confidence has definitely gained from that win but the boys know that it doesn’t end there we have to keep focusing on what is ahead of us. “

Gonvea has helped Fiji climb to a World ranking of No.8 – one place above the French – and clear of Tonga in 14th and Samoa ranked 16th. However, the Newcastle wing insists Fiji now have to park that excellent victory and concentrate on getting to the World Cup ready to cause upsets.

He added: “That game is behind us now, we take what is positive and negative move forward try make it better mentally and physically with in the team. There was a lot of talented and young players in the November squad and I’m truly blessed to be among them. The France game means the boys gained confidence going in to the World Cup year. This year is a big year and Fiji has got the confidence to beat big teams. Achieving what they can achieve in this year’s World Cup, the Boys know that we need to work hard, focus on staying fit and keep head down going in to Preparation for PNC and RWC this year.”

Goneva, who set up a try for fellow winger Josua Tuisova against France, is clear about why he plays the game. “What motivates me is my family. My beginnings looking back on the struggles myself and family go through to be where I am today. Forever thankful to God for that.”

Dean Richards, the Newcastle director of rugby, is a big fan and has described the wing as ” a model professional who keeps himself in amazing shape and delivers time and time again on the field. He is an extremely humble guy who very quietly goes about his business, his ability to score tries is truly in the world-class bracket.”

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'Freelancer' Izaia Perese shows the need for true inclusivity in Australian rugby

That's Cron's job though. Australia has had one of the most penalised scrums in international rugby for a long time. Just look at the scrum win loss percentage and scrum penalties. That is your evidence. AA has been the starter during that period. Pretty simple analysis. That Australia has had a poor scrum for a long time is hardly news. If bell and thor are not on the field they are woeful. So you are just plain wrong. They have very little time for the lions so doing the same old things that dont work is not going to get them there.


Ainsley is better than our next best tighthead options and has been playing well at scrum time for Lyon in the most competitive comp in the world. Superstar player? No. But better than the next best options. So that is a good enough guide. The scrummaging in the Prem is pretty good too so there is Sio's proof. Same analysis for him. Certainly better in both cases than Super, where the brumbies had the worst win loss and scrum pen in Super. Who plays there? Ohh yes... And the level of scrummaging in Super is well below the URC, prem and France with the SA teams out.


Nongorr is truly woeful. He's 130kg and gets shoved about. That just should not be happening at that weight for a specialist prop who has always played rugby cf pone with leauge. He has had enough time to develop at 23. You'd be better off with Pone who is at least good around the field for the moment and sending Nongorr on exchange to France or England to see if they can improve him with better coaching as happened with Skelton and Meafou. He isn't going to develop in time in super if he has it at all.


Latu is a better scrummaging hooker than BPA and Nasser. and he's the best aussie player over the ball at ruck time. McReight's super jackling percentage hasnt converted to international level but latu consistently does it at heniken level, which is similar to test level in the big games. With good coaching at La Rochelle he's much improved though still has the odd shocker. He should start the November games.

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