Veteran Matavesi to face Radradra
Josh Matavesi is relishing testing himself against ‘the best player in the world’ in Saturday’s (Fiji time) clash as Bath Rugby travel the short distance down the road to take on derby rivals Bristol Bears.
Centre Matavesi, is getting the full derby treatment as he looks set to line-up against a man he knows well in former international Flying Fijian team-mate Semi Radradra.
The Fijian captain has exploded onto the scene since arriving at Bristol Bears in the summer with a huge reputation, continuing the form he displayed at the 2019 Rugby World Cup which saw pundits crown him the most dangerous player in the game.
Matavesi, who has 24 caps for Fiji himself, knows first-hand the defensive nightmare he and his team mates have on their hands in trying to corral an explosive player like Radradra who can beat you one-on-one with power, a sidestep or his passing and offloading ability.
Matavesi said: “I have played quite a lot of rugby with Semi, obviously with Fiji. I am looking forward to playing against him.
“I was lucky enough to play Baa Baas with him as well and then a lot with Fiji at the World Cup so I know him quite well, but it is still a hard job because you have got to tackle him.
“It is going to be good. I kind of enjoy playing against the best players in the world - that is what you prepare for.
And Matavesi says Radradra’s reputation as the best in the game is well earned, echoing comments made by the likes of Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam that he is the consummate professional
He said: “For me personally I think he is the best player in the world, that is because I know what he does off the field.
“A lot of people see what he does in the 80 minutes on match day but for me it is what he does Monday to Friday, that is where he earns my respect because he is dedicated and is a good role model for the younger Fijians as well.
“It was an honour to play with him, but come Bristol on Friday all bets are off.”
Matavesi started for Bath last time the two clubs came head-to-head with Bristol winning 19-13 back in March to record a first win at The Rec in 14 years and secure a double over their local rivals.
That game in 2020 was one of the last matches to be played in front of a packed out baying crowd, who will sadly be watching on television on Friday night with fans locked out of stadiums due to the COVID-19 pandemic. –