FIFITA IS ON THE RADAR, BUT JUST HOW GOOD WILL HE BE?
WELSH rugby has benefited greatly from marquee overseas signings over the years.
There was once a time when the ilk of Justin Marshall, Regan King, Jerry Collins and Xavier Rush were regular signings for the four professional sides.
That’s no longer the case of course, with the addition of an All Black something of a novelty these days.
So it’s no wonder that reports the Scarlets have signed 11-cap New Zealand international Vaea Fifita is something of an enormous boon.
Despite the detractors who believe the addition of one New Zealander will somehow deny a groundswell of Welsh talent from coming through, it’s undeniably a great move for Dwayne Peel.
But just how good is Fifita? And what can fans expect from the former Hurricanes and Wasps man?
Make no bones about it, the signing of Fifita is a quality acquisition for the Scarlets. He’s certainly a player worth signing.
The Scarlets are desperately in need of gritty second rows, having lost Wales international Jake Ball among others, but the truth of the matter is that, while capable of playing as a lock, Fifita is arguably better in the back row.
Regardless of where he plays, you’re not going to get a workhorse with Fifita. Instead, you might end up with something better.
On the blindside, he can be freed up to roam the wider channels rather than get caught up in the nitty-gritty work that tends to occur in between the two 15-metre channels.
The implication at times, particularly in the southern hemisphere, has been that coaches haven’t always known how to get the best out of Fifita. Eleven caps for New Zealand, all on the blindside, seems too little for a player blessed with his gifts, but some would argue that’s down to being messed around by club and country.
Some believe he spent too long being played in the second row, when his early international experiences marked him out as a Test-quality six. The eye-catching try against Argentina seemed the starting point.
His highlight reel on Youtube makes for some exciting viewing, with the 29-year-old frequently breaking away into open space out wide, with his massive striding gallop and telescopic arms a nightmare for defenders around the edge.
It’s also, as a brief aside, exactly the type of ability Wayne Pivac was looking for when he sought to rebuild the
Scarlets team in the wake of Tadhg Beirne’s departure and two crucial defeats to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Certainly, his talents seem better suited to further back in the scrum.
Bobby Bridge, who has covered Fifita in his role as Coventrylive’s rugby writer, has seen first-hand proof of that.
He said: “Due to Wasps’ secondrow issues, we’ve barely seen Fifita in the back row, which is a shame as you feel that’s where his true full potential will be unlocked.
“If you can combine him with a tackle-hungry openside, Fifita will bring so much to the attack.
“I’m sure Wasps’ intentions were to get him on to the back row and might still be, although he is likely to remain where he is until Joe Launchbury is fit and firing once more.
“He was thrown in from the off as Wasps started the season without the injured pair of Launchbury and James Gaskell and also commenced life without Will Rowlands.
“He formed a strong second-row partnership with fellow new signing Elliott Stooke and what was potentially an area of concern for Wasps became a real strength.”
Given how the Scarlets play, there’s no reason that a second row can’t find some joy in the wide channels. It didn’t work out too badly for Beirne during his time in Llanelli.
Sam Lousi, a former team-mate of Fifita at the Hurricanes, is another who has shown deft hands towards the touchlines, with Johnny Mcnicholl’s first try against the Ospreys on New Year’s Day coming from the second row’s cat-flap offload.
Above all, there’s no doubting Fifita has the ability to make his mark in Wales.
“His athleticism in the line-out was immediately evident, as was his eye for a break as he threatened a try before it eventually came at Bath,” added Bridge.
“He seemed ready-made for the Premiership and soon became one of the first names on the team-sheet.
“Fifita has the ability to free up his arms in the collision and never wants to die with the ball.
“However, that can lead to him occasionally getting a bit loose and attacks ending with over-ambitious attempts.
“He’s strong in the line-out and pops up in attacking positions, posing a try-scoring threat. I can’t recall too many locks with his athleticism and ball-handling skills.
“He’s no slouch either and can shift through the gears.”
Reports of his move has been met with disappointment across the border.
“Wasps fans are pretty gutted about this one as Fifita has only just arrived but has been so impressive,” added Bridge.
“His arrival wasn’t announced until late June 2021 which suggests it may have been secured late in the day, and of a short-term nature.
“But as Wasps do not disclose contract lengths, fans weren’t to know it appears to be a one-year deal.
“When Rowlands and Thomas Young signed for Dragons and Cardiff respectively, there was an acceptance from fans it was to extend their international careers.
“However, there seems less of a case for Fifita to trade in Premiership rugby for the URC, with the assumption being that it is simply down to money.”
Perhaps the one caveat in the deal is that Fifita might not be as widely available for Scarlets games as some fans initially heralded. Whereas normally an ex-all Black would be present right from the start of the season to the end, the relaxation of World Rugby’s eligibility laws could change matters a touch.
The expectation is that he will make himself available for the country of his birth, Tonga, this summer – three years after his last All Blacks cap.
Given the calibre of player the Scarlets are getting, it’s likely a detail they can live with.
LLANGENNECH made it five wins from five as they continue to lead One West after a 33-16 win over Gowerton.
Jordan Saunders scored a hat-trick of tries and there were also touchdowns from Greg George and Liam Hutchings.
Newcastle Emlyn also maintained their undefeated start to the season with a 40-6 victory over Gorseinon.
Felinfoel made it three out of three with a 55-3 win against Pembroke, and Crymych recorded a hefty 50-7 win over the so far pointless Penclawdd.
The tightest game in the west was Yr Hendy’s 22-15 win over Whitland.
Ammanford claimed a routine 22-5 win over Dunvant in One West Central.
Kenfig Hill thrashed a young Brynaman side 56-0.
Kenfig’s Aaron Grabham caused Brynaman problems all afternoon and scored four tries in the process.
Carmarthen Athletic are top of Two West following their impressive 39-11 success at Pontyberem.
Mumbles lie second after winning 47-15 at Loughor.
Nantgaredig are third after they beat Kidwelly 27-19.
There were also wins for Pontarddulais and Tenby United, who won 17-8 at Fishguard and 21-5 at Tycroes respectively.
Cwmgors went down to their third defeat of the season in Three West Central A as they were overwhelmed 33-0 by league leaders Aberavon Green Stars at Parc y Werin.
The Green Stars maintained their 100 per cent record in the process.
Amman United’s scheduled Three West B fixture at Llandeilo was postponed, so they welcomed Pontardawe to Cwmamman Park for a friendly. Amman enjoyed a narrow 22-20 win over their visitors.
Furnace United produced their best performance of the season in Three West B to beat Llandybie 35-10. Cefneithin missed the chance to go top when they lost 10-6 at Llangadog.
St Clears are top of Three West A after their 36-14 defeat of Cardigan.