Fiji brings different ball game
THE 2021 Steinlager Series will be anchored on two Tests between the All Blacks and Fiji in what will be the first time the All Blacks have played back-toback Tests against the Flying Fijians.
The All Blacks have played Fiji nine times before, but not since 2011 in what was the final Test match between the sides at Carisbrook in Dunedin.
The first match against Fiji was in Suva in 1974, with the All Blacks pipping the home side that day 14-13. Although they played a weakened Tonga side last weekend, the All Blacks did not hold back on scoring 16 tries without reply for a 1020 victory.
This time around New Zealand will face a Fiji side playing their first international test in 2021, though they are coming off a distant win as they beat Georgia 24-38 back in December last year.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster had this to share, “The Fiji team will bring a very different challenge from Tonga. They are a more established side made up of primarily overseas-based players who are amongst some of the better players in Europe.”
In 2011, the All Blacks passed the Fijian exam. They opened their account with a comfortable 60-14 victory over Fiji in the final Test at Carisbrook.
The All Blacks displayed plenty of ring-rust in their first run of the season.
Fiji, who was denied the services of Sisa Koyamaibole and the late Seru Rabeni due to suspension and lock Leone Nakarawa thanks to his links with the Fijian army, was made to rue poor discipline and a weak scrummaging effort, although they provided plenty of food for thought in the second-half thanks to tries from Nemia Serelevu and replacement Vereniki Goneva.
For today’s clash, Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter has named a powerful side. He has roped in Peni Ravai, Sam Matavesi, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Leone Nakarawa, Johnny Dyer, Mesulame Kunavula, Albert Tuisue, Simione Kuruvoli, Ben Volavola, Nemani Nadolo, Levani Botia, Waisea Nayacalevu, Eroni Sau, Kini Murimurivalu, Haereiti Hetet, Leeroy Atalifo, Tevita Ratuva, Peceli Yato, Setareki Tuicuvu, and Peni Narisia, Eneriko Buliruarua and Manasa Mataele who make their debut for the Flying Fijians.
The All Blacks have been named, and Ethan de Groot gets his dream debut alongside Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Hoskins Sotutu, Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Brodie Retallick, Pat Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan.
Fiji faces an uphill battle, but I’m sure our boys will rise to the occasion. All the best to the Flying Fijians! Toso Viti!