Vasiteri Cited
OSEA BOLA SUVA
Centre Eroni Vasiteri is unlikely to be part of the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians tour party in the remaining matches against Uruguay and France.
Of all the test matches played over the weekend, World Rugby revealed yesterday Vasiteri is the only one cited and will know his fate today. Vasiteri has been cited by independent Citing Commissioner Andy Blyth (England) for an alleged act of foul play contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) during the test match between Scotland and Fiji at Murrayfield on November 11.
The hearing will take place today in London and will be heard by an independent panel comprising Charles Cuthbert (UAE, chair), Donal Courtney (Ireland), and Mike Rafter (England). Coach John McKee will need to fire up the team after a lacklustre performance in the 17-54 drubbing by Scotland.
Discipline has been a big letdown and McKee and his coaching staff will be working hard this week to nip the problem in the bud.
It’s very unusual when two of our most experienced lock forwards Leone Nakarawa and Tevita Cavubati were yellow carded in the first half.
And this is the second time Vasiteri has been cited.
He was hit with a nine-week ban and after an eye-gouging incident with Canberra Vikings hooker Folau Fainga’a in the National Rugby Championship on September 29, 2017. The second test against Uruguay at Hartpury on Sunday will be a perfect opportunity for the Fijians to get it right.
Unlike their opponents, the Fijians will definitely need game time before they face France next week. Uruguay has already played two build up matches last week to Cardiff Blues and Ulster in Belfast last Friday. There is more to gain from the match as both teams are in the same pool at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.