Fiji suffered a great loss in the Lyon to cap off a big night in the Nations Championship, managing just two tries while conceding eight.
The Fijian flair was rarely seen in Jake White’s second Test in charge, with the visitors struggling at just 69 per cent. Fiji suffered from a lack of play in the game after losing opener Isikeli Rabita before kick-off, struggled to build attacking momentum and kicked more as a result.
Here’s how they rated it.
1. Eroni Mawi – 5
The Saracens the man was punished early in the fight but stayed out of trouble after that. The Fijian scrum provided a good platform for most of the match, but it was not without its troubled moments.
2. Avoid Ikanivere – 7.5
The captain struggled to get to the ball on the run and was booked twice early on for failing to fight back, losing side possession. Fiji’s line-up was imperfect but otherwise Ikanivere was a strong performer for his side, chewing up a mountain of work defensively and even re-entering the Test as a loose forward late in the set when Nathan Hughes was about to go to HIA.
3. Port of Tag – 5.5
The big stalwart made his presence felt with some monstrous tackles and lifted his side of the scrum. There were some decent carries with his seven touches. There were also four missed matches.
4. Mesake Vocevoce – 4
One of many silent performers in Lyon, the lock managed to last 80 minutes with just one wear. His defense was slightly better, but the youngster was sorely lacking to make a significant impact against France.
5. Isoa Nasilasila – 6
The yellow card in the 22nd minute was certainly a low blow for Nasilasil, but the rest of his performance was quite strong. He was disruptive under the high ball and physical force in contact. However, Fiji’s line-up was not without flaws.
6. Pita-Gus Sowakula – 5
A quiet night for the former All Black, apart from a couple of dominant tackles. The 32-year-old held his shoulder well for some breakdowns, but was benched in the 48th minute.
7. Kitione Salawa – 8.5
Outstanding for Fiji, Salava’s defense was outstanding. The 25-year-old went across the lane to beat Louis Bielle-Biarrey, stood strong in front of Paul Boudehent and grabbed two steals on the play. The open flank had a few chances with the ball in hand, but made one great half-break.
8. Nathan Hughes – 7
The 35-year-old’s debut in Fiji can be considered a success, despite his side’s test failure. Big No. 8 was just that: big, heavy carrying and breaking seven tackles in the process. Hughes is not the prototypical, dynamic Fijian number 8 at this age, but he does well in contact and brings calmness to Fiji’s chaotic game.
9. Simione Kuruvoli – 6
A clumsy early kick from the box assisted the throw-in France under pressure, and Kuruvoli could do well to facilitate the quicker moments of Fiji’s attack. But the platform just wasn’t there for Fiji’s attack for much of this Test, and Kuruvoli was left to bat from the box not on his terms.
10. Vilimoni Botito – 3
Botitu was a late addition to the team in place of Isikeli Rabitu, and looked ill-prepared in a position largely unfamiliar to him. The No.10 took aimless tackles, threw a couple of passes forward and fumbled the ball when attempting a difficult tackle inside his own 22, which earned France a fourth try. Substituted in the 44th minute.
11. Jiuta Wainiqolo – 7
The Lyon star didn’t get a chance to use his X-factor in this game, but he still showed his class defensively. The winger was busy throughout the evening, making the second-highest tackle of any Fijian on the park and using his strength to overcome a breakdown in the 49th minute. Wainiqolo also stood in the way of disrupting several French attacks.
12. Vinaya Habosi – 6.5
New Fiji head coach Jake White’s decision to field Habosi in the number 12 jersey was one of three surprises, including the number 10 and number 8, but this was rewarded with a 66th-minute try and some hard-earned carry metres. The 26-year-old has spent most of his career on the wing but brought plenty of physicality to his first Test start in the 12. Beyond that, though, Habosi was booked twice and was guilty of an extra turnover, failing to provide the steady performance Fiji needed in an inexperienced midfield.
13. Joseph Masi – 6
The center had some great moments but was simply bypassed by the French playmakers when he defensively shot off the line. Loop passes gave him time to catch up more often than not, but he missed three overs. His few touches limited his attacking influence but contributed some hints of Fijian style.
14. Celestino Ravutaumada – 7.5
France felt the winger’s defense early on and his pressure resulted in two handling errors. However, he would fail in four attempts. Ravutaumada was involved in some of Fiji’s best attacking moments and finished off a superb try.
15. Salesi Rayasi – 6.5
Rayasi’s night ended early after what appeared to be a hand injury. The star full-back couldn’t contribute much to Test before that, although he did make a few powerful shots.
Reserves – 6
Fiji desperately needed a kick on the bench but didn’t get it in Lyon. Ben Volavola’s experience at 10 could have provided more guidance from the start of the Test, but his impact was limited after coming on. Sireli Maqala’s decision to challenge two French defenders in his own 22 immediately cost his side another seven points. The loose forwards gave some punch, but the result was already out of reach by then.
