RWC: Wales - Fiji (02-10-2011, 18:00)

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (02-10-2011, 18:00)

Referee: Wayne Barnes (ENG)
Touch Judge: Craig Joubert (RSA)
Touch Judge: Stuart Terheege (ENG)
TV match official: Graham Hughes (ENG)
​

[TABLE="class: grid"]
[TR][TD] Wales [/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] Fiji [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Lee Byrne [/TD][TD] 15 [/TD][TD] Iliesa Lomani Rakuka Keresoni [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] George North [/TD][TD] 14 [/TD][TD] Albert Vulivuli [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Scott Williams [/TD][TD] 13 [/TD][TD] Ravei Susau Fatiaki [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Jamie Roberts [/TD][TD] 12 [/TD][TD] Gaby Lovobalavu [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Leigh Halfpenny [/TD][TD] 11 [/TD][TD] Michael Tahicakibau [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Rhys Priestland [/TD][TD] 10 [/TD][TD] Nicky Little [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Mike Phillips [/TD][TD] 9 [/TD][TD] Vitori Tomu Buatava [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Toby Faletau [/TD][TD] 8 [/TD][TD] Netani Edward Talei [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Sam Warburton [/TD][TD] 7 [/TD][TD] Sakiusa Matadigo [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Ryan Jones [/TD][TD] 6 [/TD][TD] Rupeni Nasiga [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Luke Charteris [/TD][TD] 5 [/TD][TD] Wame Lewaravu [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Bradley Davies [/TD][TD] 4 [/TD][TD] Leone Nakarawa [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Adam Jones [/TD][TD] 3 [/TD][TD] Setefano Somoca [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Huw Bennett [/TD][TD] 2 [/TD][TD] Sunia Koto [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Gethin Jenkins [/TD][TD] 1 [/TD][TD] Waisea Nailago [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Lloyd Burns [/TD][TD] 16 [/TD][TD] Viliame Veikoso [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Paul James [/TD][TD] 17 [/TD][TD] Campese Ma'afu [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Alun Wyn Jones [/TD][TD] 18 [/TD][TD] Mala Ravulo [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Andy Powell [/TD][TD] 19 [/TD][TD] Akapusi Qera [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Lloyd Williams [/TD][TD] 20 [/TD][TD] Nemia Kenatale [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Stephen Jones [/TD][TD] 21 [/TD][TD] Seremaia Bai [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Jonathan Davies [/TD][TD] 22 [/TD][TD] Vereniki Goneva [/TD][/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Darwin]

As much as I'd like Fiji to pull off the upset here, I can't really see it happening. Wales have played pretty well so far this tournament, while the Fijian team certainly isn't as strong as it have been in previous RWCs. I feel Fiji's only chance is to play a very expansive 'attack at all costs' game, and hopefully draw Wales into this expansive game. If they play a more conservative game I can't see them matching this Welsh team. Fiji certainly have the outside backs to cause Wales some problems, with Goneva, Nalaga, and Murimurimurimurimurimuri (or whatever his name is) all looking dangerous with space to move. I think they should play Bai at 10, as neither Luveniyali or Little have impressed so far, with Lovobalavu and Vulivuli in the midfield (have either of them had much experience at 12?). In the forwards I'd look at playing a very fast loose-trio of Ravolu, Qera, and Talei. Koyamaibole made some good yards versus Samoa, but he is very slow around the field, and I feel Fiji would be better served with two 'fetchers' in Ravolu and Qera to combat Warburton.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wales out for revenge!

 

[hitman51]

Its a good thing that this game is on early, Cause the welsh fans will find it tough to find a bar to watch it as the Warriors are now taking center stage in NZ for this weeks grand final. I wonder if some of the venues where they're suppose to show the games will flick it over to the league if the kiwi fans start getting rowdy and demand that they show the league lol.

 

[Siva Tau]

Bai definitely gotta 10 if Fiji want to have any chance

 

[DJRonStar]

Its a good thing that this game is on early, Cause the welsh fans will find it tough to find a bar to watch it as the Warriors are now taking center stage in NZ for this weeks grand final. I wonder if some of the venues where they're suppose to show the games will flick it over to the league if the kiwi fans start getting rowdy and demand that they show the league lol.

Unfortunately a lot of the bars including the Cloud (Party Central) can not show the rugby league until after the rugby games. Sponsors!! I heard Queens wharf are showing the league game on there big screens but that place is alcohol free.

 

[Draggs]

[TABLE="class: grid"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]Player
[/TD]
[TD]Club
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]15[/TD]
[TD]Lee Byrne[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]14[/TD]
[TD]George North[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]13[/TD]
[TD]Scott Williams[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]12[/TD]
[TD]Jamie Roberts[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]11[/TD]
[TD]Leigh Halfpenny[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]10[/TD]
[TD]Rhys Priestland[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]9[/TD]
[TD]Mike Phillips[/TD]
[TD]Aviron Bayonnais[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]8[/TD]
[TD]Toby Faletau[/TD]
[TD]Newport Gwent Dragons[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]7[/TD]
[TD]Sam Warburton ©[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]6[/TD]
[TD]Ryan Jones[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD]Luke Charteris[/TD]
[TD]Newport Gwent Dragons[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]4[/TD]
[TD]Bradley Davies[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3[/TD]
[TD]Adam Jones[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2[/TD]
[TD]Huw Bennett[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1[/TD]
[TD]Gethin Jenkins[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]16[/TD]
[TD]Lloyd Burns[/TD]
[TD]Newport Gwent Dragons[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]17[/TD]
[TD]Paul James[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]18[/TD]
[TD]Alun Wyn Jones[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]19[/TD]
[TD]Andy Powell[/TD]
[TD]Sale Sharks[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]20[/TD]
[TD]Lloyd Williams[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]21[/TD]
[TD]Stephen Jones[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]22[/TD]
[TD]Jonathan Davies[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]

 

[Muzzy]

Fiji have named an entirely second string line up,

1.Waisea Nailago, 2.Sunia Koto, 3.Setefano Somoca, 4.Leone Nakarawa, 5.Wame Lewaravu, 6.Rupeni Nasiga, 7.Sakiusa Matadigo, 8.Netani Edward Talei (c), 9.Vitori Tomu Buatava, 10.Nicky Little, 11.Michael Tagicakibau, 12.Gaby Lovobalavu, 13.Ravai Susau Fatiaki, 14.Albert James Vulivuli, 15.Iliesa Keresoni,

Reserves - 16.Viliame Veikoso, 17.Campese Ma'afu, 18.Akapusi Qera, 19.Mala Ravulo, 20.Nemia Kenatale, 21.Seremaia Bai, 22.Vereniki Goneva

its like Domoni wants his team to get thrashed wtf is he thinking?????? I don't think I can bring myself to watch this game, if we get thrashed this will be embarrassing

Changes to Fiji team:

Two local fijian props Nailago and Somoca replace Ma'afu and captain Deacon Manu, (its clear by the fact he's replacing the captain and one of Fiji's best players he's going into this game with a losing attitude), after having a couple ok games and breaking his finger, Leweravu replaces Kalou, after Kalou had a good game against Samoa. Matadigo starts at 7 despite having little game time in that position, Talei moves from blindside where he was great for Fiji last week to number 8 in place of Koyamaibole who was one of Fiji's best players last week. The slow Buatava replaces Kenatale at halfback, 35 year old Nicky Little, who had a very poor kicking game last week, often kicking the ball straight to the opposition and too far for this team to chase, starts at fly half. Nalaga who has easily been Fiji's best player of the tournament is not in the 22 at all, Lovobalavu finally gets a start at 12, Fatiaki starts at 13 despite the fact he's been playing 12 during the pnc and had hardly any game time, Tagicakibau starts at 11 after coming back from injury and having a poor game against Tonga and little game time, Keresoni replaces murimurivalu at fullback, both have been poor this year.

 

[Me 1]

Fiji have named an entirely second string line up,

1.Waisea Nailago, 2.Sunia Koto, 3.Setefano Somoca, 4.Leone Nakarawa, 5.Wame Lewaravu, 6.Rupeni Nasiga, 7.Sakiusa Matadigo, 8.Netani Edward Talei (c), 9.Vitori Tomu Buatava, 10.Nicky Little, 11.Michael Tagicakibau, 12.Gaby Lovobalavu, 13.Ravai Susau Fatiaki, 14.Albert James Vulivuli, 15.Iliesa Keresoni,

Reserves - 16.Viliame Veikoso, 17.Campese Ma'afu, 18.Akapusi Qera, 19.Mala Ravulo, 20.Nemia Kenatale, 21.Seremaia Bai, 22.Vereniki Goneva

its like Domoni wants his team to get thrashed wtf is he thinking?????? I don't think I can bring myself to watch this game, if we get thrashed this will be embarrassing

Changes to Fiji team:

Two local fijian props Nailago and Somoca replace Ma'afu and captain Deacon Manu, (its clear by the fact he's replacing the captain and one of Fiji's best players he's going into this game with a losing attitude), after having a couple ok games and breaking his finger, Leweravu replaces Kalou, after Kalou had a good game against Samoa. Matadigo starts at 7 despite having little game time in that position, Talei moves from blindside where he was great for Fiji last week to number 8 in place of Koyamaibole who was one of Fiji's best players last week. The slow Buatava replaces Kenatale at halfback, 35 year old Nicky Little, who had a very poor kicking game last week, often kicking the ball straight to the opposition and too far for this team to chase, starts at fly half. Nalaga who has easily been Fiji's best player of the tournament is not in the 22 at all, Lovobalavu finally gets a start at 12, Fatiaki starts at 13 despite the fact he's been playing 12 during the pnc and had hardly any game time, Tagicakibau starts at 11 after coming back from injury and having a poor game against Tonga and little game time, Keresoni replaces murimurivalu at fullback, both have been poor this year.

I feel a lot more relaxed now Don't understand Fiji's second string to be honest, they're unlikely to, but can win.

 

[GarethEWilliams]

Relaxed? I am so chilled by this one I am going to really enjoy my 6am beer with my Australian mate! Lets just hope we put in a good performance with no injuries and go into the Ireland game really firing, I am just trying to stop myself getting to excited, what if we were to get to the final?!?

 

[psychic duck]

Fiji have named an entirely second string line up,

1.Waisea Nailago, 2.Sunia Koto, 3.Setefano Somoca, 4.Leone Nakarawa, 5.Wame Lewaravu, 6.Rupeni Nasiga, 7.Sakiusa Matadigo, 8.Netani Edward Talei (c), 9.Vitori Tomu Buatava, 10.Nicky Little, 11.Michael Tagicakibau, 12.Gaby Lovobalavu, 13.Ravai Susau Fatiaki, 14.Albert James Vulivuli, 15.Iliesa Keresoni,

Reserves - 16.Viliame Veikoso, 17.Campese Ma'afu, 18.Akapusi Qera, 19.Mala Ravulo, 20.Nemia Kenatale, 21.Seremaia Bai, 22.Vereniki Goneva

what the hell is this Fiji lineup?

why drop Deacon Manu? the captain and the ONLY half decent Fijian scrummager

and also drop Bai and Nalaga two of Fiji's best players

Matadigo at 7 ahead of Ravulo and Qera?

what an earth is Domoni thinking?

FRU SHOULD SACK DOMONI NOW

 

[Muzzy]

what the hell is this Fiji lineup?

why drop Deacon Manu? the captain and the ONLY half decent Fijian scrummager

and also drop Bai and Nalaga two of Fiji's best players

Matadigo at 7 ahead of Ravulo and Qera?

what an earth is Domoni thinking?

FRU SHOULD SACK DOMONI NOW

Agreed, they should sack him

I thought maybe they rang in these changes to try and blame the players for the losses, but just seen on the fijirugby website, Koyamaibole, Manu are injured, maybe Nalaga is injured idk, but other than an injury i can't understand why they would drop him

http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=rwc-diary-day-32--new-captain

 

[psychic duck]

Agreed, they should sack him

I thought maybe they rang in these changes to try and blame the players for the losses, but just seen on the fijirugby website, Koyamaibole, Manu are injured, maybe Nalaga is injured idk, but other than an injury i can't understand why they would drop him

http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=rwc-diary-day-32--new-captain

still though why is Matadigo is an unnatural position at 7? when Fiji have two very capable 7's in my opinion

and why is Bai on the bench? he is better than Nicky Little is these days and better than Fatiaki

has Domoni been to the PdV school of coaching?

 

[mikefoot1]

[TABLE="class: grid"]
<TBODY>[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]Player
[/TD]
[TD]Club
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]15
[/TD]
[TD]Lee Byrne
[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]14
[/TD]
[TD]George North
[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]13
[/TD]
[TD]Scott Williams
[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]12
[/TD]
[TD]Jamie Roberts
[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]11
[/TD]
[TD]Leigh Halfpenny
[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]10
[/TD]
[TD]Rhys Priestland
[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]9
[/TD]
[TD]Mike Phillips
[/TD]
[TD]Aviron Bayonnais
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]8
[/TD]
[TD]Toby Faletau
[/TD]
[TD]Newport Gwent Dragons
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]7
[/TD]
[TD]Sam Warburton ©
[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]6
[/TD]
[TD]Ryan Jones
[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]5
[/TD]
[TD]Luke Charteris
[/TD]
[TD]Newport Gwent Dragons
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]4
[/TD]
[TD]Bradley Davies
[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3
[/TD]
[TD]Adam Jones
[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2
[/TD]
[TD]Huw Bennett
[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1
[/TD]
[TD]Gethin Jenkins
[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]16
[/TD]
[TD]Lloyd Burns
[/TD]
[TD]Newport Gwent Dragons
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]17
[/TD]
[TD]Paul James
[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]18
[/TD]
[TD]Alun Wyn Jones
[/TD]
[TD]Ospreys
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]19
[/TD]
[TD]Andy Powell
[/TD]
[TD]Sale Sharks
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]20
[/TD]
[TD]Lloyd Williams
[/TD]
[TD]Cardiff Blues
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]21
[/TD]
[TD]Stephen Jones
[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]22
[/TD]
[TD]Jonathan Davies
[/TD]
[TD]Scarlets
[/TD]
[/TR]
</TBODY>[/TABLE]

I LOVE this team, especially the centre pairing. Wish we could include Hook, Shane, and Lydiate though

 

[dullonien]

I like the look of the Welsh team. My only real gripe is that Lloyd Burns is on the bench ahead of Ken Owens. I would have personally started Ken Owens, to see if he could have another solid game and force his way onto the bench for the Ireland game.

Considering the lineup Fiji have gone with, this game is in the bag. The pressure should be right off Wales, and hopefully we can see Wales really play well. Big games for Scott Williams, Byrne, Bradley Davies and Rayn Jones to potentially force their way into the starting lineup against Ireland. Could be another big game for Lloyd Williams if he get's a decent run towards the end.

It's nice to see that the bench is getting stronger with every game, as it didn't look the strongest against SA in the first match. We could potentially go into the Ireland game with the likes of Ryan Jones, Jon Davies, James Hook, Halfpenny, Stephen Jones and Bradley Davies on the bench (depending on who is starting), could be some serious impact.

A confidence inspiring win against Fiji will set us up well for Ireland, which should be a great game, and probably a very lively thread aswell .

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Like MikeFoot1 said, I really like the look of/can't wait to see the centre partnership

Should be a good match, though I'm disappointed that Fiji are putting out a less-than-full strength team - Considering their history vs Wales I would have thought they'd really be going for the win, at least for the pride if the quarters are out of reach

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

[TABLE="class: grid"]
[TR][TD] Wales [/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] Fiji [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Lee Byrne [/TD][TD] 15 [/TD][TD] Iliesa Lomani Rakuka Keresoni [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] George North [/TD][TD] 14 [/TD][TD] Albert Vulivuli [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Scott Williams [/TD][TD] 13 [/TD][TD] Ravei Susau Fatiaki [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Jamie Roberts [/TD][TD] 12 [/TD][TD] Gaby Lovobalavu [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Leigh Halfpenny [/TD][TD] 11 [/TD][TD] Michael Tahicakibau [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Rhys Priestland [/TD][TD] 10 [/TD][TD] Nicky Little [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Mike Phillips [/TD][TD] 9 [/TD][TD] Vitori Tomu Buatava [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Toby Faletau [/TD][TD] 8 [/TD][TD] Netani Edward Talei [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Sam Warburton [/TD][TD] 7 [/TD][TD] Sakiusa Matadigo [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Ryan Jones [/TD][TD] 6 [/TD][TD] Rupeni Nasiga [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Luke Charteris [/TD][TD] 5 [/TD][TD] Wame Lewaravu [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Bradley Davies [/TD][TD] 4 [/TD][TD] Leone Nakarawa [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Adam Jones [/TD][TD] 3 [/TD][TD] Setefano Somoca [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Huw Bennett [/TD][TD] 2 [/TD][TD] Sunia Koto [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Gethin Jenkins [/TD][TD] 1 [/TD][TD] Waisea Nailago [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Lloyd Burns [/TD][TD] 16 [/TD][TD] Viliame Veikoso [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Paul James [/TD][TD] 17 [/TD][TD] Campese Ma'afu [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Alun Wyn Jones [/TD][TD] 18 [/TD][TD] Mala Ravulo [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Andy Powell [/TD][TD] 19 [/TD][TD] Akapusi Qera [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Lloyd Williams [/TD][TD] 20 [/TD][TD] Nemia Kenatale [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Stephen Jones [/TD][TD] 21 [/TD][TD] Seremaia Bai [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] Jonathan Davies [/TD][TD] 22 [/TD][TD] Vereniki Goneva [/TD][/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Seaton]

Wales tearing the Fijis a new one

24-0 nearing the end of the first half, Fiji haven't threatend.

Wayne Barnes and touchies missing ssssoooooooo many forward passes

 

[TRF_Cymro]

How can Barnes miss two forward passes in Wales third try?

 

[Deadmonton]

Wales doing good, some bad reffing though.