Brunel: Win Is Crucial
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians are in for a tough time against France at the Stade in France in Paris on Sunday (Fiji time).
This was after the French rugby side claimed their first victory in nine months by beating Argentina 28-13 in Lille last Sunday.
France rugby coach Jacques Brunel said he had to wait more than nine months for the win.
“But beating a World Cup rival less than a year from the tournament and a win again against the Fijians will do us good,” he said.
As the countdown to their final Test of the Europe tour, the Flying Fijians are expected to field Semi Radradra at centre where an interesting battle looms with France sensational Gael Fickou.
Fickou who was promoted to the starting line-up after the loss to South Africa, slalomed his way through the Argentine defence before throwing a 30-metre pass cross-field for Teddy Thomas to catch and score his second touchdown.
“My mind was set on playing well and the coaches trusted in me for the match,” Fickou said.
“We won with quite a big scoreline. It’s good, it’s been a while since we enjoyed ourselves as much as that.” Radradra who was cleared by the judiciary for a dangerous tackle during the Top 14 competition was rested on the Uruguay game at Hartpury College ground in England last Sunday. He was replaced by veteran Vereniki Goneva who played an instrumental role in the setting up of tries to Eroni Sau and Josua Tuisova as the Fijians won 68-7.
Also in the running for the centre position are Jale Vatubua and Eroni Vasiteri.