IT'S the 'Flying Fijians' in France yet again for Wales ... and we all know what happened the last time! Whether today's game is even bigger than the one in which I played in 2007 is debatable. That was win or bust for us in Nantes, and we went bust! Our 38-34 defeat cost us a place in the knock-out phase and lost head coach Gareth Jenkins his job. This time around, it is the first pool fixture, so there is time to recover.
There is no doubt the tension has been mounting in Wales with every game Fiji has played. They've had five games since Simon Raiwalui took charge in February and lost only one. That was to a French side in Paris and they scared them to death. They've beaten Tonga, Samoa, Japan and England and now have Wales well and truly in their sights. They have even climbed higher than Wales in the world rankings!
Why wouldn't you be wary of a team that boasts Semi Radradra and Waisea Nayacalevu at centre, Selesitino Ravutaumada on the wing and Albert Tuisue. Then, of course, they've got the explosive qualities of Levani Botia and Josua Tuisova to come off the bench.
But turn it around the other way. Wales have an all-British & Irish Lions back three of Liam Williams, Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit. George is a 40-plus try international centre playing at his fourth World Cup and Dan Biggar has more than 100 caps of experience in the bank.
Denne historien er fra September 10, 2023-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra September 10, 2023-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
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Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
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Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
