Background Buzz – let’s dive into the Fiji team that Simon Raiwalui has named to beat the Wallabies in Saint-Étienne on Monday morning – 16 September 2023

So in Background Buzz today I dive right into the Fiji team that Simon Raiwalui has named to beat the Wallabies in Saint-Étienne on Monday morning, especially looking at the six changes.

So in Background Buzz today I dive right into the Fiji team that Simon Raiwalui has named to beat the Wallabies in Saint-Étienne on Monday morning, especially looking at the six changes.

This is the biggest Test of this weekend with everything riding on it for Fiji at RWC2023 – lose and we may as well go home, but win – which I think they will, and this Fiji team can make history and go all the way to the semifinals.

The Fiji Match Day 23 is 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 3 Luke Tagi upfront and 4 Isoa Nasilasila pairing with 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta in the second row, so exactly the same tight five who played very well against Wales.

In the back row Raiwalui has gone for 6 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7 Levani Botia and 8 Viliame Mata a world class trio with Botia replacing Albert Tuisue who will come on off the bench.

The backline is where I believe Fiji will beat the Aussies on Monday, with the faster clearance from the breakdowns by 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 10 Teti Tela hopefully improves his kicking, 11 Semi Radradra moves to the Wing and 12 Josua Tuisova pairs Captain
Waisea Nayacalevu in the Centres with the speed of Jiuta Wainiqolo at 14 and the reliable Ilaisa Droasese at fullback.

One on one I honestly cannot think of a single Wallaby back as good as, or better than his Fijian opponent, except maybe Samu Kerevi but we all know that he is carrying an injury and up against the bus Tuisova, he is in for a very tough night.

Fiji’s replacements have been excellent making an impact off the bench with 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Vilimoni Botitu and 23 Vinaya Habosi. 

The Wallabies are stacked with Fijians – Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase on their Wings, Samu Kerevi at inside centre and Rob Valetini at No. 8.

On playing against the Fijians in the Australian team, Simon Raiwalui said: “We’re proud of all Fijians that play all over the world. Some have had to go overseas to find opportunities but we’re proud of all our brothers whether they play for Fiji or Australia or other countries. It’s going to be good with so many Fijians on the field.”

The danger sign for Eddie Jones and his team comes from Fiji Captain Waisea Nayacalevu, who when asked about the importance of the match said, “It’s a do or die game this week for us, so that’s our mentality this week.”

And asked what they’ve been doing when not focusing on rugby:

“Just singing. We love to sing,” watch out when the Fijian boys are smiling and singing – exactly what they were doing before that famous gold medal game in Rio 2016.

For TeivovoSports.com I’m Culden Kamea – please hit the like and subscribe buttons below if you want to receive more Pasifika sports highlights on Breakfast Bites.

Mahalo, Kakite and tank you all too mas for all your love and support.

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