Our new man in the No# 13 jersey
Coach says, Georgia will beat Fiji and take Pacific Nations Cup to Europe
Fijian flyer Semi Radradra will make his debut for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians tomorrow against Georgia. After his stunning performance in the Top 14 rugby championship in France, against England for the Barbarians and the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team in London, coach John McKee had no hesitation to give Radradra the number 13 jersey. Although Asaeli Tikoirotuma and Jale Vatubua are equally capable of filling the spot, Radradra’s inclusion should be a morale booster for the team. The Flying Fijians take on Georgia in their second Pacific Nations Cup match at Suva’s ANZ Stadium at 3.30pm.
The Georgian rugby team are confident of repeating their 2016 feat when they beat the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians 14-3 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Georgia coach Milton Haig said Fiji have strong backs and forwards and they would be bringing in their running style of rugby.
Haig who is from New Zealand added that they would focus on replicating their style of play to win the Test match. ‘We’ll make sure that when our players are under pressure they will make good decisions,” he said.
“In terms of Fiji, everybody in the world knows what Fiji is capable off, they have world class backs and they have very good forwards.
“Forward play is always a strength of ours, like Fiji is known for their running rugby. We are known for our scrimmaging and lineouts so we won’t change that.
“We did not come down here just to make the numbers and we are here just to win the Test match and that’s our goal.
“We know Fiji will be out for revenge after their loss in 2016, so both teams are really going to be motivated about it and it is going to be tough and entertaining as well.”
Haig said they are prepared and the players understand what is on the line.
“We have assimilated into the Fijian way of life so it has been good and for us to have an opportunity to take the Pacific Nations Cup back to Europe, is a scenario we want accomplished.
“Everybody understands what’s on the line in the PNC against Georgia and Fiji. We want to make sure that we do what we can to have a good result,” Haig added.