Fiji player ratings: Islanders’ senior players lead the way in narrow win over Georgia
After their 17-12 Rugby World Cup victory against Georgia at the Stade de Bordeaux, here’s how the Fiji team performed on Saturday.
15 Ilaisa Droasese: The Fijian Drua flyer was full of running from the outset and gave his side good momentum from the back, although he did not always have the necessary support. Eventually gained a match-high 110 metres from 11 runs. 7
14 Selesitino Ravutaumada: Another one who looked dangerous on attack as he kept his opponents on their toes with some excellent attacking runs. Finished with 44 metres gained from nine runs. 7
Captain Fantastic catches the eye
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c): Showed great composure to finish superbly during the early stages of the opening half and impressed with his general play and leadership. Apart from his fine try, he was his team’s go-to-man on attack as he gained 57 metes from a match-high 17 runs. 8
12 Josua Tuisova: Unlike Fiji‘s previous game against Australia, the hard running back did not have such a big influence in this game as Georgia’s defence marked him tightly. However, Tuisova was solid at the breakdowns and on defence but was yellow carded for a high tackle on Miriani Modebadze late on. 6
11 Semi Radradra: Not his best day at the office. Tried manfully to get his team on the front foot on attack but kept in check by the Lelos defence. Was also yellow carded for a cynical defensive foul early in the second half and replaced on the hour-mark by Vinaya Habosi. 5
10 Teti Tela: Although he’s not a flashy player, the Fijian Drua playmaker did what was expected of him as he got the ball out to his dangerous outside backs, although they did not always do what was expected of them. 5
9 Simione Kuruvoli: His goal-kicking was not of the outstanding standard it was against Australia as he missed a couple of shots at goal and he was also placed under great pressure by Georgia’s defence which meant Fiji struggled to get going, especially in the first half. Replaced by Frank Lomani in the 48th minute. 5
8 Viliame Mata: The 31-year-old emptied the tank with ball in hand as he finished with 36 metres gained from seven carries and also did well in the lineouts. 7
Another brilliant all-round performance
7 Levani Botia: Continued with his excellent form with a brilliant all-round performance. The La Rochelle man was his usual busy self at the breakdown but also worked hard on attack as he gained 30 metres from nine runs and set up a try for Habosi with a brilliant offload. He also impressed on defence with a joint team-high 13 tackles made. 9
6 Lekima Tagitagivalu: Another one who was a willing ball carrier as he made 26 metres from nine runs but he was quiet in other aspects of the game. 6
5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta: Did what was expected of him in the lineouts and also caught the eye with a big defensive shift in which he completed nine tackles. 7
4 Isoa Nasilasila: Like Botia, he was at the forefront of Fiji’s defence as he made 13 tackles and did well in the lineouts as he won his fair share of balls including a steal on Georgia’s throw-in. 7
3 Luke Tagi: One of the Islanders’ best performers as he stood up well in the scrums, shone on attack as he gained 32 metres from nine carries and also did well on defence with eight tackles made during a 71-minute shift. 8
2 Samuel Matavesi: The Northampton Saint had a quiet game by his standards. Battled with some lineout throw-ins and struggled on defence as he made four tackles but also missed a similar amount of hits. Eventually yanked off in the 60th minute with the impressive Tevita Ikanivere taking over. 5
1 Eroni Mawi: Was put under pressure at some scrums but still put in a brave shift in the set-piece. Was lively on attack did well on defence as he completed seven hits. 7
Replacements: The Flying Fijians’ back-up players had a big say in the outcome of this encounter as they helped their team launch a superb second-half comeback. The likes of Lomani, Ikanivere and Habosi were prominent in that regard and the team reaped the reward with a deserved victory in the end. 8
READ MORE:?Fiji move a step closer to Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after tense victory over brave Georgia