VAKATAWA’S SECOND CHANCE
Fijian-born France centre Virimi Vakatawa is highly likely to play in his first Rugby World Cup in Japan, next month.
The Naluwai, Naitasiri native has been recalled into the France extended 37-member squad for the World Cup on Saturday night.
According to Euro Sport Rugbyrama France head coach Jacques Brunel has brought in Vakatawa to replace centre Geoffrey Doumayrou who left their camp last Thursday due to injury.
Former Fiji Rugby Union coaching director and Nadroga Rugby technical adviser Franck Boivert strongly feels the call should have been made earlier but said coach Brunel has called in the best.
“Virimi is by far the best centre for France. He has great stats being the best try scorer in Top 14, most yards ran and have this fantastic capacity to always link up with his support. Even though the call should have been made earlier but it’s good that he is in,” Boivert said.
Vakatawa plays alongside Fiji Airways Flying Fijians lock Leone Nakarawa and Ben Volavola for the Racing Metro 92 club.
The French are in Pool C with England, Argentina, USA and Tonga.
RAKA SCORES ON DEBUT
Winger Alivereti Raka was instrumental in France 32-3 win over Scotland on on Saturday night. Raka who is also fighting for a RWC spot scored their opening try in the second minute of play. Maxime Medard and Gregory Alldritt scored further first-half tries, with Medard and Antoine Dupont crossing after the break as the free-flowing French ran riot.
They meet again at Murrayfield this weekend.