[2015 RWC] Pool A: England vs. Fiji (18/09/2015)

[jomjom]

I never understood all the hate England gets. Ok well the hype your media creates is really really annoying (I know every countrys media hypes but theres just something about the English one) but as far as the team and fans go I just dont get it. I really like the English team and I love seeing them play - granted I love beating England, the aul enemy and all that, but I dont revel in their defeat (unlike a certain team I wont mention...) and I respect them a lot.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Hype hype hype hype hype

 

[LiRFCMatt]

There have been 2 world cups since 2003, of course it's reasonable to talk about the fact you won it recently!

And then they bring up the grand slams and you can't help but think its a bit ridiculous...

Anyway! I can't wait to hear Twickenham roar on Friday, deafening cries of Swing Low with Jerusalem sang throughout the pubs of England. It is impossible to say how excited I am to see rugby fever grip the nation and to see how we get behind our boys.

 

[ABs2015]

Anyone know when the Fiji team is due to be named?

 

[Maverick1987]

Those who haven't seen the social media abuse which Olly is referring to - take a glance at some comments on this page https://www.facebook.com/TheRugbyBanterPage?fref=ts

To be fair the people who use the rugby banter page on Facebook are brainless armchair fans most whom are celts and have been told by their grandfathers to hate England for stealing land etc ..... It's all quite single brain cell stuff as it goes .

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

To be fair the people who use the rugby banter page on Facebook are brainless armchair fans most whom are celts and have been told by their grandfathers to hate England for stealing land etc ..... It's all quite single brain cell stuff as it goes .

It's going on on the Rugby world cup page too and happened in the 6N on the 6N page. I would put money on the top comment in any England post being one that is attacking England. It is rather pathetic from fairweather fans. Most fans actually at the games or on this forum are far more reasonable.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Edit: wrong thread...

 

[Tony Manx]

Farrell and creative isn't what we usually hear on here unless GN10 is talking about our Owen lol

Where is GN10?

And is anyone running a raffle on the time of the first yellow carded Fijian player?!!

 

[Mcfadden]

Probably *****ed off that he was banned awhile ago.

 

[TommiG88]

Where is GN10?

And is anyone running a raffle on the time of the first yellow carded Fijian player?!!

He's consoling his son Owen for not making the starting line up.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Where is GN10?

And is anyone running a raffle on the time of the first yellow carded Fijian player?!!

Probably *****ed off that he was banned awhile ago.

He got a one week ban, which has in the mean time expired, and @Mcfadden, if you are going to keep up with profanities like that then you will also get a temporary ban.

Does anyone have any link on the Fijian team that has been named, or know when the will be named? I'd like to add it to the OP.

 

[JJFlash]

Where is GN10?!

Who is GN10?

 

[Mcfadden]

Apologies for the profanities. I didn't realize that word would be blanked. Also, i wasn't contesting whether you made the right or wrong decision I was just answering Tony's question.

 

[Tony Manx]

Understood but can understand why!!

 

[Muzzy]

Fiji team has just been named. Its pretty much the same lineup that started against Canada except Volavola is starting ahead of Matavesi. Volavola was originally named to start against Canada as well so it would have been the exact same line up.

http://www.fijirugby.com/latest-news/team-release-flying-fijians-to-face-england/

1. Campese Ma'afu
2. Sunia Koto
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Akapusi Qera (Captain)
8. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo
9. Nikola Matawalu
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13. Vereniki Goneva
14. Waisea Nayacalevu
15. Metuisela Talebula
16. Tuapati Talemaitoga
17. Peni Ravai
18. Isei Colati
19. Tevita Cavubati
20. Peceli Yato
21. Nemia Kenatale
22. Joshua Matavesi
23. Aseli Tikoirotuma

So they seem to prefer Nadolo on the wing instead of 12 where he had been playing last year. Peceli Yato, Tuapati and Ravai should make a good impact when they come on. Tuapati is good at the break down and often wins a lot of turnovers, but his line out throwing has been weak in the past. Ravai is very fast for a prop and has played as a winger, hooker and center before

 

[TRF_heineken]

Fiji team has just been named. Its pretty much the same lineup that started against Canada except Volavola is starting ahead of Matavesi. Volavola was originally named to start against Canada as well so it would have been the exact same line up.

http://www.fijirugby.com/latest-news/team-release-flying-fijians-to-face-england/

1. Campese Ma'afu
2. Sunia Koto
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Akapusi Qera (Captain)
8. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo
9. Nikola Matawalu
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13. Vereniki Goneva
14. Waisea Nayacalevu
15. Metuisela Talebula
16. Tuapati Talemaitoga
17. Peni Ravai
18. Isei Colati
19. Tevita Cavubati
20. Peceli Yato
21. Nemia Kenatale
22. Joshua Matavesi
23. Aseli Tikoirotuma

Yup, I've added it to the OP.

 

[Every Time Ref]

Those who haven't seen the social media abuse which Olly is referring to - take a glance at some comments on this page https://www.facebook.com/TheRugbyBanterPage?fref=ts

Literally the first mention of England scrolling down is "the English really are the worst thing in any sport".

Like others, I'm sceptical about the extent Fiji beating a lot of Tier 2 teams well says about them as contenders to give England a scare at Twickenham.

Would be interested in hearing a bit more about Matawalu, as I don't watch the Pro12 and he's a Bath player next year. The bit I saw of him in the Euro games against Bath I agree with this:

Whenever I've watched Matawalu play for his club he's been a crap 9.
He'd be a cracking winger, his acceleration/speed/agility are incredible, but his scrumhalf basics? Not international standard.

 

[Mcfadden]

I can't claim to know much about the named Fijian centres but I think I'd try and involve Nadolo as much as I could. He is almost certain to get you over the gain line. I understand he's spent a lot of time at wing - but sometimes if the traffic doesn't head on that far side then it's a wasted talent. Also - will be intrigued to see how Volavola will go. He's signed on to the Crusaders next year. Tikoirotuma from the bench will inject a lot of impact and pace. Very solid player when he was at the Chiefs.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Goneva is a great winger but don't rate him at centre at all.
Not seen much of Tikoirotuma but his debut for Harlequins was one of the worst debuts I've seen.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Goneva is a great winger but don't rate him at centre at all.

Nayacalevu was the best 13 in the Top 14 last season, I'd swap him and Goneva too. We'll have to trust the coach on this one.