Opinion: Tough Call for Fiji on who makes our Match 23 Against Wales

We’re now in the business end of the Rugby World Cup. All focus is on the Flying Fijians opening game against Wales in Bordeaux, France, coming Monday at 7am.

There have been rave of reviews and predictions made in our favour by rugby pundits around the globe.

This was after our triumph over England in Twickenham and followed by our No.7 ranking with World Rugby.

However, if we allow it to get to our heads, then our campaign could blow in our face.

The reassurance by Flying Fijians head coach, Simon Raiwalui, that the players have remained grounded after those successes is a sigh of relief.

They know that winning their World Cup matches is what that counts the most in the end.

However, to beat Wales, a Tier One team, is a massive task but not an impossible one.

The onus is on Raiwalui and his co-coaches to name the best possible side for this opening encounter.

Tough calls will be made at certain key positions but our support for those selected for the Match 23 squad is most crucial at this stage.

Let’s take a look on who is likely to make our Match 23 squad against Wales:

FORWARDS

LOOSEHEAD PROP (1)

Former Fiji Under-20 captain Eroni Mawi is a definite starter. Mawi was Saracens’ first-choice prop during last season’s English Premiership final where they won. He is very technical in the set piece, defends well and mobile. He needs not to infringe a lot, which saw him cop a yellow card against England. The other loosehead props who could be on the bench are experienced Peni Ravai or Nalebaleba strongman, Jone Koroiduadua.

HOOKER (2)

It’s between Sam Matavesi and Tevita Ikanivere. Matavesi will start because apart from his general play, defence and ability to win turnover balls, his line out throws are usually spot on. The younger Ikanivere is not far behind him but coming in as an impact player will surely keep the pressure on the Welsh.

TIGHTHEAD PROP (3)

According to Wales Online, after watching Fiji’s win over England, the target is to trouble Luke Tagi.

The front rows in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland are more technical compared to the French and those at Super Rugby.

If that is the case, then Mesake Doge could start with Tagi coming in as a sub. Doge played for top Welsh club Dragons RFC in 2021 and is very well versed on how they play.

The other tighthead prop who could force his way into the Match 23 squad is Samuela Tawake.

LOCKS (4&5) 

The locking partnership of Isoa Nasilasila and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta is likely to be retained. The pair locked the scrums against an experienced England side.

They are always in the thick of things.

They have formed a formidable combination with the Drua right from Super Rugby with Nasilasila not missing a game in last season’s competition where they reached the quarterfinals.

Also, in contention are Northampton Saints-bound Temo Mayanavanua and Albert Tuisue.

FLANKER (6)

Tuisue is the man for the blindside. At No.6, he is responsible for clearing out rucks. He shuts down the opposition’s halfback or number eight. He also ensures that the opposition does not get over the advantage line.

Tuisue being a very physical player has been punching holes in the opposition defence and creating gaps for others. Others who can force their way in, include Meli Derenalagi and LekimaTagitagivalu.

FLANKER (7)

This is a three-way battle between Levani Botia, Tagitagivalu and Vilive Miramira. We all know what Botia is capable of but Tagitagivalu showed his class against England and became another option in the lineouts. Miramira, who has beefed up came in as sub and was strong in defence and was a ball hunter.

He showed his vision when he floated a long pass to Selestino Ravutaumada that led to Simione Kuruvoli’s try that pushed the match out of England’s grasp.

The importance of winning against Wales, the call is for the Botia to start and Tagitagivalu to be on the bench.

Vilive Miramira. Pic: FRU

NUMBER EIGHT (8)

No one else but for Viliame Mata to start with Derenlagi, Cirikidaveta and Tuisue who are also capable of fitting in, if the need arrives.

BACKS

HALFBACK (9)

Experience will push Frank Lomani to start against Wales with Simione Kuruvoli on the bench.

FIRST-FIVE EIGHT (10)

All eyes will be on Caleb Muntz, to direct play for the Flying Fijians backline.

The former Fiji U20 and now Fijian Drua rep has cemented his spot after strong performances during the Pacific Nations Cup followed by the France and England Test matches. Don’t count out, veteran Teti Tela, an ideal replacement who managed the Drua’s games well during the Super Rugby competition.

LEFT WING (11)

Selestino Ravutaumada is the definite starter but could face strong opposition from Kalaveti Ravouvou or Vinaya Habosi.

Fijians team manager Bill Gadolo (left), and Vinaya Habosi in London, England on August 26, 2023. Photo: FRU Media

SECOND- FIVE EIGHT (12)

This is another three-way battle of Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova and Ravouvou. Radradra played No.12 against Samoa, France and England but his combination with Captain Waisea Nayacalevu was not what we expected.

Probably, Radradra was still new to the position and against Wales we cannot be experimenting.

Tuisova and Ravouvou have been playing at No.12. They could get the nod ahead of Radradra. Who knows?

CENTRE (13)

Captain Nayacalevu is the top contender for the spot while Radradra, Iosefo Masi and Sireli Maqala are also in contention.

Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu. Photo: FRU

RIGHT WING (14)

It’s between Habosi and Jiuta Wainiqolo. Both wingers are finishers but Wainiqolo has an edge in defence and his kicking game as well. Also, his combination with Captain Nayacalevu also matters as they have been playing together for their club Toulon in the French Top 14.

FULL-BACK (15)

Wales is going to use Dan Biggar to kick the ball deep into the Fijian territory to pin them there. This is where Ilaisa Droasese comes in handy, with his long clearing kicks. Droasese is safe under the high balls, very elusive and has lots of speed to burn.

The contenders are Maqala who struggled in the position during the PNC and we could be in for a shocker, if Radradra gets the nod to don the No.15 jumper. Who knows? Anything can happen.

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