October 16, 1999 is a day serious rugby fans should remember, or at least what took place that day, the day when Fiji defeated France at the World Cup. Only they didn’t. Paddy O’Brien’s horrendous refereeing cost them a famous victory and a trip to the quarter finals. Fast forward 15 years and Fiji arrive on French soil with retribution in their eyes, fielding a strong side against a bizarre selection of players never seen before in a the blue jersey. If ever a famous upset were on the cards for the men from the South Seas, it has to be now.
One area that the visitors might hold an advantage in is the back row, with all three starts plying their trade in the Top 14. Indomitable Montpellier flanker Akapusi Qera leads the side once again, with former captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu of Brive on the other flank and Lyon action man Masi Matadigo at no8. It would be a brave decision to opt for the trio offered up by Philippe Saint-André if given the choice between the two.
The strength in the backs goes without saying. Even without names like Napolioni Nalaga, Vereniki Goneva, and Sireli Bobo, and with Nemani Nadolo restricted to bench duty after arriving late in camp, to a man they remain game breakers. Alipate Ratini wins his first cap on the wing and yet he is currently the leading try scorer in the Top 14. At full strength, he wouldn’t make the side. The halfbacks also look a little stronger than normal, with Niko Matawalu en established star for Glasgow and goal kicker Jonetani Ralulu now playing professionally in the Romanian Super Liga. His role is simple – kick for territory or give to someone else!
Two areas have devastated Fiji’s chances in the past. Discipline cost them a win over Italy last year. They can’t afford to concede a yellow card against France. The other problem of course is the scrum. Interestingly head coach John McKee is putting his faith in the only locally based player in the starting side, Manasa Saulo of Suva. The young tighthead has only four test starts to his name, all coming this year, but has stood up to the likes of Georgia in the past. Veteran Narbonne hooker Sunia Koto has been recalled beside him and the two will be vital to Fiji’s chances when the shove comes on.
Saint-André has thrown everyone for a loop by tossing out half the side a year out from the World Cup and promoting a number of untested players. Alexandre Menini has gone from unwanted Biarritz reserve to test loosehead in a matter of months, and Nicolas Mas looks set to see his old age pension before another French tighthead is given a chance. Rabah Slimani has been discarded and giant NZ-Samoan Uini Atonio has been called in his place. How exactly he is going to fit in a front row with the traditionally shorter French props is anyone’s guess, with fellow uncapped reserve Xavier Chiocci’s head residing half a foot lower to the ground.
Toulouse duo Yoann Maestri and Thierry Dusautoir have been out of form for a while now and will be expected to lift their game despite both looking burnt out and more in need of a nap than another scrum. At least uncapped Bayonne no8 Charles Ollivon has found a spot among the reserves. The 21 year old has been the revelation of the season so far in France, displaying impressive speed and athleticism for such a big frame.
After all the noise made about Rory Kockott’s selection to the squad, the South African scrumhalf will have to sit on the bench before he makes his international debut, with the long passing game of Toulon’s Sébastien Tillous-Borde preferred. His countryman Scott Spedding, however, will not, with the naturalised Frenchman handed the fullback spot in the absence of injured Brice Dulin. Two other new caps join him out wide, with hard-running Racing Métro centre Alexandre Dumoulin picked at no13 and clubmate Teddy Thomas selected on the left wing in place of Maxime Médard.
Given the numerous mysteries surrounding Les Bleus and the generally unpredictable nature of both sides this game is a bit more difficult to predict than normal. Will the geriatrics up front find some form? Can the new players slot in seamlessly? How will Camille Lopez handle himself at no10? Weather predictions are calling for a mild day with no hint of rain. That certainly favours the Fijians, but will they have the discipline tto stay with the French for 80 minutes? The romantic inside wants to pick the visitors in sensational fashion, but the pragmatist says that France must win. Side with reason, but only just. France by 7.
FRANCE vs FIJI
Saturday, November 8, 16:45 GMT, Marseille
Referee: Glen Jackson (NZRU)
Assistants: Mike Fraser (NZRU) & Federico Anselmi (UAR)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)
