Preview: France v Fiji

Published 13 November 2010 | By superBul

This should be no more than a decent practice run for France, as Fiji had no time to prepare. Match shown LIVE on Supersport 1 from 18:45- 21:00

Evidence of the troubles Fiji had in assembling a competitive unit can be found in the fact that they delayed announcing their team – due to the poor weather conditions which have curtailed their training this week.

They were due to name their team on Wednesday, delayed the announcement till Friday – to ensure the coaching staff can have some time to assess the players that are available.

They have, however, confirmed that Scarlets prop Deacon Manu will captain the side in the injury-enforced absence of Dominko Waqaniburotu.

With such disrupted preparations, given that the Pacific Islanders only gathered in Nantes this week, it is not surprising then to hear Fijian pundits talk down their compatriots’ chances of an upset.

While Fiji do have a number of experienced players in the team – some who played in the 2007 World Cup and a number who ply their trade in Europe – the time frame given to assemble the squad remains the major drawback.

There could be an over-reliance on overseas-based players, but their experience of the conditioned in Europe will be handy.

One of those will be the new captain, New Zealand Maori prop Deacon Manu. The 31-year-old Manu, playing for the Scarlets in Wales, only made his debut for Fiji against Scotland last year.

“To be captain of Fiji is such a great honour and one I accept with a great deal of reverence and respect,” Manu said.

However, they will face a French team with bucket loads of experience.

Top of that list is 74-Test veteran Damien Traille, who will start at flyhalf.

This will be the first time that Traille, 31, has started at No.10 under head coach Marc Lièvremont – although fifth time overall for France – and the multi-skilled back can’t wait to get on the pitch.

Previously under Lièvremont he has played both in the centres and at fullback, but the hamstring injury to Montpellier’s Francois Trinh-Duc – France’s first-choice flyhalf – has now opened another door to Traille.

He likened the flyhalf position to being the conductor in an orchestra, and he’ll be desperate to ensure his teammates will all be in tune on Saturday.

To that extent he should be assisted in Nantes by being surrounded by his Biarritz club colleagues Imanol Harinordoquy (captain and No.8) and Dimitri Yachvili (at scrumhalf).

That familiarity should definitely assist, although for a player of such vast experience this opportunity should hold no fears.

“I am hungry to play at No.10,” he admitted.

Players to watch:

For France: You can start with the ‘conductor’ Damien Traille, the flyhalf who will direct the show. David Marty in the centre and Maxime Medard on the wing could also be exciting. Captain Imanol Harinordoquy, at No.8 and lock Jerome Thion will provide the experience up front.

For Fiji: No doubt new captain Deacon Manu will play a key role, but players like Seru Rabeni and Sireli Naqelevuki could be exciting.

Head to head:

The most intriguing of the many battles on the day will be at flyhalf – the creative Damien Traille (France) against the abrasive Seremaia Bai (Fiji). In the front row Luc Ducalcon (France) could have his hands full in containing the wily veteran Deacon Manu (Fiji).

Recent results:

2003: France won 61-18, Brisbane (World Cup)

2001: France won 77-10, St Etienne

1999: France won 28-19, Toulouse (World Cup)

1998: France won 34-9, Suva

1991: France won 33-9, Grenoble (World Cup)

1987: France won 31-16, Auckland (World Cup)

1964: France won 21-3, Paris

rugby365.com Prediction: Fiji will flatter, only to deceive and the French will win comfortable – by 20 points or more.

Teams:

France: 15 Jerome Porical, 14 Julien Arias, 13 David Marty, 12 Fabrice Estebanez, 11 Maxime Medard, 10 Damien Traille, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy (captain), 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 5 Jerome Thion, 4 Romain Millo-Chluski, 3 Luc Ducalcon, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Jerome Schuster.

Replacements: 16 Benjamin Noirot, 17 Thomas Domingo, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Sebastien Chabal, 20 Morgan Parra, 21 David Skrela, 22 Alexis Palisson.

Fijia: 15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Seru Rabeni, 11 Napolioni Nalaga, 10 Seremaia Bai, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Graham Dewes, 7 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 6 Sisa Koyamaibole, 5 Akapusi Qera, 4 Semisi Naevo, 3 Jone Qovu, 2 Wame Lewaravu, 1 Deacon Manu (captain).

Replacements: 16 Setefano Somoca, 17 Vilame Veikoso, 18 Sekonaia Kalou, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Seveci Taka, 21 Josh Matavesi, 22 Gabi Lovobalavu.

Date: Saturday, November 13

Venue: Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes

Kick-off: 17.00 (18.00 GMT)

Expected weather: Strong chance of rain – 50 percent chance of precipitation. High 14°C, low of 8°C

Referee: Andrew Small (England)

Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), James Jones (Wales)

TMO: Carlo Damasco (Italy)

Preview: Ireland v Samoa

Lining up Samoa: Irish pivot Ronan O’Gara. (c) Getty

Ireland will be looking for a much improved performance against Samoa at their revamped home ground in Dublin, after a disappointing 23-21 loss to the Springboks in their first match at the impressive new stadium.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney rung the changes for the match with a number of the fringe players being given an opportunity to cement themselves in the first team for the remainder of the year-end Test matches.

Among the changes there is an all new front row consisting of John Hayes, Sean Cronin and Tom Court that has a great opportunity to impress the coach, after the Boks outscrummed last weekend’s panel.

Kidney has also backed his vastly experienced halfback combination of Peter Stringer and Ronan O’Gara to do duty and prove they still have what it takes to play at the highest level ahead of next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.

The Samoans will be no pushovers, as the country is a proud rugby nation with a reputation for ferocious bone-crunching tackling that leaves their opponents with plenty of bumps and bruises in the aftermath of a Test match.

The legendary Brian Lima aka ‘The Chiropractor’ is an infamous example of the kind of tackling the Samoans are capable of (just ask former Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard!).

The Pacific Islanders have two powerful wings in Wasps’ David Lemi and Alesana Tuilagi, who played for Leicester in the 2009 European Cup final and are well acquainted with northern hemisphere conditions.

Samoa’s major problem is that the team don’t play together often enough, with the top players spread all over the world, but they have the physical ability to beat a number of the top sides on their day.

No doubt a weakened Irish side will inspire Samoa to produce a big performance and send out a message that teams need to field a full strength side whenever they visit.

Players to watch: For Ireland the inspirational skipper Brian O’Driscoll will want to return to the kind of form he is famous for now that his injuries are behind him, so expect to see his dancing feet sliding through a tackle or two. Ronan O’Gara made an impact off the bench against the Boks and will be eager to snatch the No.10 jersey away from Jonathan Sexton with a good outing against the Islanders. For Samoa fullback Paul Williams is an experienced campaigner with a deadly boot and he won’t be afraid to run the ball from deep, while powerful wings David Lemi and Alesana Tuilagi are more than happy to run through tacklers rather than around them.

Head to Head: Irish scrumhalf Peter Stringer may be the smallest man on the field, but his service to the backline could prove to be crucial. Stringer’s pass isn’t as fast as it used to be, but the veteran hasn’t given up hope of going to another World Cup. Stringer’s opposite number Kahn Fotuali’i will want to continue with his excellent year, after he started ahead of All Black No.9 Andy Ellis at the Crusaders during the Super 14. The battle between the two No.9s is vital.

Preview: France v Fiji

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