TOPS
Simon Raiwalui shocked his world by placing Josua Tuisova on the bench last weekend against Wales. Author of a remarkable and remarkable entry against the Leek XV, the future Racing 92 player started alongside Waisea Nayacalevu at the center of the Fijian attack. Unstoppable offensively, multiplying devastating charges and scoring tries, Tuisova did everything in the Australian defense. The Fijian tank also scratched countless balls and was logically named man of the match.
What a game from the Fijian scrum-half! Substitute against Wales, Kuruvoli was simply perfect this Sunday in Saint-Étienne. Fijian number 9 Drua animated his team’s play and often found intervals. He also pushed Richie Arnold to make a mistake at the start of the match. He was perfect in his scoring role (5/5) and never escaped tackles. Logically cramped in the 45th minute, he was replaced by Lomani then given a standing ovation by the Geoffroy-Guichard public.
The Flying Fijians could not afford to lose this afternoon in Saint-Étienne. Under pressure before the match and at the start of the game, Simon Raiwalui’s men regained control of the match and turned their backs at the end of the match to avoid another Australian try. If before the Fijians were known for their lack of patience and game intelligence, this match proves the change in strategy of a feared and formidable team.
FLOPS
Kerevi, Petaia, Koroibete… Australia had the weapons to compete against the Fijian magicians. But the many bad choices did not allow Eddie Jones’ men to create danger. Of course, the Wallabies managed to score two tries but made a countless number of technical errors, like these two dead ball kicks from White and Vunivalu.
Did the absences of Will Skelton and Taniela Tupou have any impact? Without a doubt. Despite Arnold’s activity or Frost’s reading of the game in touch, the Australian forwards were crushed. Suffering in particular the impacts. In the ruck zones, Rob Valetini’s teammates let the Fijians score goals. It is therefore difficult for the hinge to animate the game.
