PREVIEW: Fiji v Georgia
JUNE SPOTLIGHT: An electric backline including the much-anticipated debut of Toulon star Semi Radradra will take the field for Fiji against Georgia at ANZ Stadium this Saturday.
Following a fiercely competitive week on the training pitch, Radradra has earned his first start for Fiji alongside fellow European based stars Nemani Nadolo, Vereniki Goneva, Jale Vatubua and Kini Murimurivalu.
Head coach John McKee will be looking for his experienced strike force to settle into their rhythms quickly and make an impact against Georgia.
“The inclusion of Nemani Nadolo and Jim Nagusa [off the bench] adds experience and firepower to the squad.” he said.
“It’s exciting for Semi Radradra to finally make his debut for the Flying Fijians.”
Radradra’s recent form in London during the Sevens series victory showed just what kind of impact the sizzling winger can have with the ball in hand.
“Semi’s been in outstanding form for his club [Toulon] across the Northern season and against England for the Barbarians
“We’ll be looking for him to inject the skill and speed he brings into the game on Saturday.”
Whilst the visitor’s defence will have their work cut out against the Fijian backs, it’s the home side’s forward pack who will have the bigger challenge against a monster Georgian scrum.
“Our forward pack know the huge task ahead of them this weekend.
“Georgia will be very physical, we have to match that physicality and impose our game onto them.”
Should the Fijian’s take the win on Saturday, they are likely to retain their fourth straight Pacific Nations Cup title.
“We have quite contrasting styles of play, so the successful team will be the team who can impose their style across the full 80 minutes.
“We’ve had a noticeable lift of intensity at training this week and with more time together, the boys have reached another level of quality in our role clarity and combinations,” said McKee.
Teams:
Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Henry Seniloli, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Akapusi Qera (captain), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Ratu Vere Vugakoto, 1 Campese Ma’afu.
Replacements: 16 Ratunaisa Navuma, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Kalivati Tawake, 19 Sikeli Nabou, 20 Nemani Nagusa, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Alivereti Veitokani, 23 Timoci Nagusa.
Georgia: 15 Soso Matiashvili, 14 Tamaz Mtchedlidze, 13 Davit Katcharava, 12 Lasha Malaghuradze, 11 Anzor Sitchinava/Sandro Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Otar Giorgadze, 7 Vito Kolelishvili, 6 Giorgi Tsutskiridze, 5 Kote Mikautadze, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze [captain], 3 Levan Chilachava, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili, 1 Kakha Asieshvili.
Replacements:
Date: Saturday, June 16
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Suva
Kick-off: 15.30 (07.30 Georgia time; 04.30 GMT)
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
Source: @fijirugby
