RWC 2023 Round 2 Wallabies v Fiji

Printable View

Show 20 post(s) from this thread on one page

15-09-23, 14:57
Burgs

RWC 2023 Round 2 Wallabies v Fiji

Slipper to equal Wallaby World Cup milestone against Fiji

Fri, Sep 15, 2023, 3:27 PM
by Rugby Australia

Test centurion James Slipper will become the third Australian to play in four Rugby World Cups named to start at tighthead prop in the Wallabies second Pool C game against Fiji in Saint-Etienne on Sunday evening (local time).

Slipper, who joins George Gregan and Adam Ashley-Cooper at the milestone, will replace the injured Taniela Tupou, while the experienced Nic White steps in for Tate McDermott at scrumhalf, with the vice-captain following the HIA protocols following the side’s opening win against Georgia last weekend.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said: “Fiji is the most important match of our Rugby World Cup campaign.”

“It’s another big opportunity for our young side to keep getting better and we’ll be ready on Sunday.”

Cont.

https://wallabies.rugby/news/slipper...t-fiji-2023915

Wallabies
Team to play Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne on Sunday 17 September, 5:45pm CET/1:45am Sunday AEST

1. Angus Bell (25 Tests)
2. David Porecki (16 Tests)
3. James Slipper (131 Tests)
4. Nick Frost (12 Tests)
5. Will Skelton (c) (30 Tests)
6. Tom Hooper (5 Tests)
7. Fraser McReight (14 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (36 Tests)

9. Nic White (64 Tests)
10. Carter Gordon (6 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (56 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (46 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (29 Tests)
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (8 Tests)
15. Ben Donaldson (4 Tests)

16. Jordan Uelese (18 Tests)
17. Blake Schoupp (2 Tests)
18. Zane Nonggorr (4 Tests)
19. Richie Arnold (6 Tests)
20. Rob Leota (18 Tests)
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (1 Test)
22. Lalakai Foketi (7 Tests)
23. Suliasi Vunivalu (4 Tests)
15-09-23, 16:34
Burgs

Botia starts and Radradra moves to wing as Raiwalui names the squad for the Wallabies match.

https://www.fijirugby.com/botia-star...llabies-match/

Flying Fijians Head Coach Simon Raiwalui has made a few changes and rotations in the run-on team to take on the Wallabies on Monday.

He has maintained the front-row combination of props Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi and hooker Sam Matavesi. Locks pair, Isoa Nasilasila and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta get their second straight start at Rugby World Cup. Robust forward Levani Botia starts and partners with Lekima Tagitagivalu and after an impressive performance against Wales, Viliame Mata starts again at number 8.

In the backs, Simione Kuruvoli gets the nod ahead of specialist half-back Frank Lomani, who is on the bench. Teti Tela remains at fly-half. Semi Radradra moves to the wing while Josua Tuisova comes into the midfield with captain Waisea Nayacalevu. Jiuta Wainiqolo will make his Rugby World Cup debut on the right wing while Ilaisa Droasese remains at full-back.

Expect nothing less than more power and physicality in the second spell with players such as Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Albert Tuisue and Vinaya Habosi named on the bench. Vilimoni Botitu could also celebrate his first RWC appearance off the bench.

Raiwalui said “We went through the process of good recovery and I players have recovered well and have started to prepare for the next task which is against a very good Wallabies. We have done everything possible for the past few days and are ready for the challenge ahead of us.”

He added “We have done some rotations in the team as Tuisova comes into the midfield after recovering well from the injury he sustained in France and Semi moves to the wing to counter aerial balls.”

Flying Fijians face the Wallabies at 3.45am on Monday.

Flying Fijians

1. Eroni Mawi
2. Sam Matavesi
3. Luke Tagi
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
6. Lekima Tagitagivalu
7. Levani Botia
8. Viliame Mata

9. Simione Kuruvoli
10. Teti Tela
11. Semi Radradra
12. Josua Tuisova
13. Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
14. Jiuta Wainiqolo
15. Ilaisa Droasese

16. Tevita Ikanivere
17. Peni Ravai
18. Mesake Doge
19. Temo Mayanavanua
20. Albert Tuisue
21. Frank Lomani
22. Vilimoni Botitu
23. Vinaya Habosi
16-09-23, 09:47
Sheikh

The Roar is saying that Skelton is out of the Fiji game with a calf issue, and may even be out of the tournament if it's a muscle tear.
16-09-23, 11:02
Burgs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheikh

The Roar is saying that Skelton is out of the Fiji game with a calf issue, and may even be out of the tournament if it's a muscle tear.

Australia suffer double injury blow in Rugby World Cup squad ahead of 'do or die' Fiji clash as captain Will Skelton and Taniela Tupou are ruled out from Eddie Jones' side

By NIK SIMON FOR THE DAILY MAIL

PUBLISHED: 07:31 AEST, 16 September 2023 | UPDATED: 09:05 AEST, 16 September 2023

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ru...ones-side.html
16-09-23, 11:17
Burgs

Skelton-
I would imagine it will see Arnold start, Philip get called up and Slipper (or maybe Kerevi) Captain (as McDermott out as VC).
16-09-23, 12:06
jargan83

For what's it's worth, my weekend multi looks like this so far:

Roosters - Loss
Demons - Loss
Wallabies -
16-09-23, 13:11
Sheikh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burgs

Skelton-
I would imagine it will see Coleman start, Philip get called up and Slipper (or maybe Kerevi) Captain (as McDermott out as VC).

Coleman? The only Coleman at the WRC is Adam Coleman, but he is playing for Tonga now. (Would like him to still be a Wallaby, but would like him to still be in a Force jersey, more.)
16-09-23, 13:29
SNOB

Quote:

Originally Posted by jargan83

For what's it's worth, my weekend multi looks like this so far:

Roosters - Loss
Demons - Loss
Wallabies -

My multi was out on the first step with France not scoring enough against Uruguay!
16-09-23, 15:53
shasta

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheikh

Coleman? The only Coleman at the WRC is Adam Coleman, but he is playing for Tonga now. (Would like him to still be a Wallaby, but would like him to still be in a Force jersey, more.)

Details, details. In any event, going on his form for Irish he'd either get a card or an injury in the first 5 minutes.
16-09-23, 21:20
Burgs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheikh

Coleman? The only Coleman at the WRC is Adam Coleman, but he is playing for Tonga now. (Would like him to still be a Wallaby, but would like him to still be in a Force jersey, more.)

Going to second him back...
Not sure where that popped from, corrected ;)
17-09-23, 13:30
GIGS20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burgs

Skelton-
I would imagine it will see Arnold start, Philip get called up and Slipper (or maybe Kerevi) Captain (as McDermott out as VC).

I think Frost and Arnold to start with Phillip on the bench is actually a better team to play Fiji
18-09-23, 02:19
Burgs

Congratulations Fiji, dominated with a superior game plan, Fiji was always the type of opponent with enough familiarity to beat us.
A huge week in Australian Rugby ahead, but I believe they can beat Wales.
18-09-23, 08:35
WFDom

Dominant display from Fiji.

In their last 3 games they have beaten England, Aus and should have beaten Wales.

The Drua’s inclusion in Super rugby has made a huge difference for them
18-09-23, 09:29
DazloT

Fiji were top notch.
Make that many mistakes and this is what happens. Petia should not be near the team, two very poor kicks (decision making) cost us try chances and saw bugger all from him otherwise, even VV was better.
Line out was great, White was good but Fines should have come on at half time cause he made a huge difference. Carter Gordon is struggling. Backs started to panic a bit, i.e Koriebete starts kicking.

Who would have thought Fiji would win by scoring less tries then their opponent, shows real maturity in their team.
18-09-23, 10:15
shasta

Decided to have a couple of hours pre- game kip so missed first 20. Fiji too good. Wallabies a mistake ridden clusterf@ck.

Having said that, I don't think any of the microscopic analytics directed at the atrocious officiating Fiji copped last week did us any favours. Sir was extremely vigilant to forestall any such fallout coming his way. I was pretty sure it would go that way. Our blokes seemed completely unaware.
18-09-23, 11:13
jargan83

Australia's minnow status has been confirmed.
18-09-23, 11:25
todd4

Quote:

Originally Posted by jargan83

Australia's minnow status has been confirmed.

Sad but true lol
18-09-23, 14:44
WFDom

Dave Rennie will be laughing his ass off!
18-09-23, 15:50
Burgs

Quote:

Originally Posted by WFDom

Dave Rennie will be laughing his ass off!

To be honest, while he may be, I don't think we would have been any better off.
Rennie's record was very poor for the most part, including against those outside of the top couple of ranked opponents.
Something had to change, the conversation now would be "who else", not "should stick with Dave".
Rennie seemed to be a lovely bloke with much respect in the camp (and from me), but he wasn't having any effect.
If you keep doing the same thing with the same bodies it is highly unlikely you are going to suddenly become successful.
There are massive issues at RA, SR and yes, all the way to Clubland (and Schools) but the answers there were never going to positively influence the outcome in France under Rennie or Jones.

Those calling for Cooper need to look to the Argentina Player Cam footage, he was not only terrible, but toxic.
Those calling for Hooper need to balance that with the now apparent other injuries being carried in the Squad and Hooper having the closest like for like cover in McReight. Would he genuinely have been fit to play last night?
Slipper and Tupou had to travel due to the gap down to the rest of the Props (apart from Bell, who was also coming back from injury).
We urgently need more quality Hookers and personally I can see Horton being a bolter next year.
Arnold was a curveball, but with experience in France can be understood.
Philip and Frost will likely start the rest of the tournament (if no Skelton) and Arnold will likely thrive as a bench player.
Jones' faith in Tom Hooper appears to be coming off, but nobody wants to talk about that.
Jones was in a no-win at Halfback, if picking White and lose then (particularly in the West) it's "should have gone with Fines-Leleiwasa", if go with Fines-Leleiwasa it's "he's mad to not back experience given the outs" (personally I would have gone with IFL anyway...).
Gordon's selection may well prove to be wrong, but so is Cooper and so is Foley. Why? Because they aren't there! If the case was that compelling they would have been in the tent already as absolutely no-brainer decisions. They would have been "Giteau'd" ahead of Arnold. They weren't. Both had chances and came up short. Ineffective. Not part of the solution. Poor.
Few would seriously debate a fit Kerevi.
The Outside positions bring some confusion granted, I don't understand the Vunivalu Project, yet ironically is starting to show promise.
Petaia deserves the negative comments around decision making, yet is often the spark for scoring. I hate his continued attempts at dribble kicks as much as I hate White's poor box kicks that keep getting excused by the Coaches (I assume as he keeps trying it...).
I like Kellaway, but Donaldson has been best on ground in the solitary win and amongst our best with strong coverage at #10 last night. He brings far more cover and a far superior kick compared to Kellaway's better "flair" and marginally better defence. Though defence hasn't been a major factor in our losses. Clearly everyone thinks we need cover at Flyhalf, after last night we can see we have it.
Foketi hasn't been as compelling to me as seemingly to others, but probably needs more time on the park to be fair.
"Marky Mark" just has a very troublesome surname for punters and commentators alike...

The Wallabies have depth problems and have had a losing record over the last few years.
Neither of these things can be laid at the feet of Eddie.
He has an extremely short lead in with a group of players he hasn't coached before.
This can't be laid at the feet of Eddie.
Arguably, yes, the change of Rennie should be the thing in question.
In retrospect, why didn't it happen sooner?

I think we all need to have a deep breath, respect the fact that Fiji has come a massive leap forward through better opportunity and pathways than historically to realise their potential and to appreciate the journey we are on.

Rugby isn't going to die in Australia.
The Wallabies will be competitive in future years.
Our collective kids will be (and are being) inspired by our stars.
Beer will still be available to assist with lively debate.
Life goes on...
18-09-23, 17:51
chibi

Wildkard is not happy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhbvwunt_hU

Show 20 post(s) from this thread on one page