Semi is best in world says Matavesi
JOSH MATAVESI insists his camaraderie with Semi Radradra will be discarded when he collides with his Fiji team-mate tonight.
Matavesi and Radradra will line up in opposing midfields for Bath and Gallagher Premiership leaders Bristol respectively in the West Country derby at Ashton Gate, having operated together on the international stage for the last two years. “I’ve played quite a lot of rugby with Semi for Fiji, including at the World Cup, so I know him well and know it’s a hard job to tackle him,” said Matavesi.
“For me, he’s the best player in the world and that’s because I know what he does off the field.
“People see what he does in the 80 minutes, but for me it’s what he does Monday to Friday – that’s when he earns my respect. He’s dedicated and is a good role model for the younger Fijians as well.
“He’s a great communicator on the pitch. Coming from a Fijian background, we’re normally very quiet people – it might be my Cornish side that makes me loud – but he’s great at feeding you information.”
Alex Sanderson takes charge of his first game as Sale’s new director of rugby at Leicester.