PREVIEW: France v Fiji
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Fiji face France in Paris on Saturday looking to make history by beating the hosts for the first time in their history.
The teams have faced each other on nine occasions in more than half a century, most recently four years ago which saw a convincing French victory of 40-15 over John McKee’s outfit in Marseille.
McKee, who spent two years coaching Clermont from 2000, said it would be a significant feat to achieve.
“We have talked about it. It’s an opportunity to create history for the boys,” he said.
“They [the players] know Fiji have never beaten France. They feel like they have a good opportunity this time.”
🏉 STARTING XV 🏉
Third and final test of the November International Test Series and your @FijiAirways Flying Fijians are ready for action.
Stare into the 👀 of your team to march onto field at Stade de France on Sunday morningPowerfully fuelled by Mana Sports Supplements. pic.twitter.com/T5Zsd3zWDQ
— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) November 23, 2018
For any hope of a memorable evening at the Stade de France this weekend McKee sees one part of the game as essential.
“If we can stop their maul then they’ll have to play. I guess it’s a challenge for us to counter them in that area,” he said.
“We will be looking to negate their maul, if that happens, then it’s then game on for us.”
🇫🇷🇫🇯 Il reste un match à jouer ! Objectif : terminer 2018 de la meilleure des manières ! Voici la composition de votre #XVdeFrance pour affronter les Fidji samedi soir au @StadeFrance ! #NeFaisonsXV #FRAFIJ pic.twitter.com/klHdfnV5B9
— FF Rugby (@FFRugby) November 22, 2018
Home coach Jacques Brunel plans to contain the Flying Fijians, who have four members of the 2016 seven-a-side Olympic Games gold medal-winning squad in the 23 to
face Les Bleus.
“Our objective will be to allow them the least amount of space possible because they know how to use it,” Brunel said.
“We’ll try to organise the play, to keep possession and keep the ball in their half as much as possible” the 64-year-old added.
More than half of the visitors’ starting lineup ply their trade in the French league, including back-three speedster Josua Tuisova who has scored 40 tries in six seasons for Toulon.
“Although they’re well-known to the French players, it means the French team will be wary of some of our players,” said McKee, who played for St-Jean-De-Luz near the French-Spanish border during his own career.
“He’s just one player. We have a lot of dangerous players in our team,” McKee added.
Brunel praised the individuals at McKee’s disposal who include the reigning European player of the year in Racing92 second-row Leone Nakarawa.
“Our players know that all their players who play in Europe start for the clubs. In certain instances they’re considered the best players in the world in their positions,” Brunel said.
Prop Rabah Slimani is the only unforced change for Brunel after France claimed their first victory in five games with last Saturday’s 28-13 win over Argentina.
New Zealander McKee recognises the front-rower’s ability, ahead of his 50th international on Saturday.
“He’s a very strong tighthead prop. We’ve had a good look at his scrummaging and it will be interesting,” he said.
The chance to put the defeats of the past right is a motivating factor, but McKee admits setting his squad up for the World Cup next September is just as important.
“We don’t have a Rugby Championship or a Six Nations next year so this performance is really important.
“To put in a top performance against a Tier One team is important leading into next year.”
Players to watch:
For France: Gael Fickou has a lot of X-factor in the French midfield and the big presence of Mathieu Bastareaud could create plenty of pace for the rest of the backs out wide. Baptiste Serin is a smart player in that No.9 jersey, while Camille Lopez keeps opposing defences guessing. Guilhem Guirado has been a star for France in 2018 with his work rate, while Louis Picamoles is an aggressive ball carrier.
For Fiji: Josua Tuisova is an explosive ball runner out wide. In the midfield Semi Radradra will keep opposition defences busy with his sturdy frame. Ben Volavola is a good decision maker at flyhalf. Leone Nakarawa is the big name up front. He has plenty of speed and power for a lock.
Head to head: In the midfield we have Mathieu Bastareaud and Semi Radradra which is sure to cause some earth-shattering collisions. Out wide there is plenty of place for some intriguing battles. Teddy Thomas will be up against Vereniki Goneva, while Yoann Huget will have his hands full with Josua Tuisova.
Recent results:
2014: France won 40-15, Marseille
2010: France won 34-12, Nantes
2003: France won 61-18, Brisbane (World Cup pool match)
2001: France won 77-10, St Etienne
1999: France won 28-19. Toulouse (World Cup pool match)
1998: France won 34-9, Suva
1991: France won 33-9, Grenoble (World Cup pool match)
1987: France won 31-16, Auckland (World Cup quarterfinal)
1964: France won 21-3, Paris
Prediction: Fiji should make life tough for France, but the home side will have too much quality in the end. France to take this one by 15 points or more.
Teams:
France: 15 Benjamin Fall, 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Yoann Huget, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Arthur Iturria, 6 Wenceslas Lauret, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Sebastien Vahaamahina, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado (captain), 1 Jefferson Poirot.
Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Dany Priso, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Felix Lambey, 20 Kelian Galletier, 21 Antoine Dupont, 22 Anthony Belleau, 23 Geoffrey Doumayrou.
Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Peceli Yato, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain), 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Campese Maafu.
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Kalivati Tawake, 19 Albert Tuisue, 20 Semi Kunatani, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Alivereti Veitokani, 23 Eroni Sau.
Date: Saturday, November 24
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Kick-off: 21.05 (20.00 GMT; 09.05 Fiji time Sunday, November 25)
Expected weather: Mostly cloudy, a shower in spots late on. The temperature will be around 4°C by kick-off time with gusts of 11 km/h.
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Tom Foley (England), Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)
Agence France-Presse @rugby365com
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