If there’s a team you don’t want to miss at Autumn Nations Cup it’s the Flying Fijians. Chock full of some of the world’s most explosive players, Fiji puts on a show every time they take the field. As they move into the Autumn Nations Cup, they plan on playing more beautiful rugby, and bringing a few tier-1 scalps back to the Islands. 

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Fiji has not played an official test match since their back-and-forth 29-17 loss to Wales in the 2019 World Cup, so there is a chance they could come into the ANC a little rusty. However, they’ll have had ample time together before the competition to train, something Fiji is rarely afforded the opportunity to do. 

Upsets are on the Fijians’ minds this autumn, as they aim to prove they’re a bonafide tier-1 team and deserve more high-profile matches moving forward. 

Roster

Props: Mesake Doge; Haereiti Hetet; Jone Koroiduadua; Eroni Mawi; Peni Ravai

Hookers: Mesu Dolokoto; Sam Matavesi; Tevita Ikanivere

Locks: Samu Tawake; Temo Mayanavanua; Chris Minimbi; Leone Nakarawa; Tevita Ratuva

Flankers: Johnny Dyer; Kitione Kamikamica; Mesulame Kunavula; Manueli Ratuniyarawa; Lekima Tagitagivalu; 

No. 8: Albert Tuisue

Scrum-halves: Simione Kuruvoli; Frank Lomani; Peni Matawalu

Fly-halves: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre; Ben Volavola

Centers: Levani Botia; Semi Radradra; Jale Vatubua; Serupepeli Vularika

Wings: Nemani Nadolo; Waisea Nayacalevu; Josua Tuisova

Fullback: Kini Murmurivalu

Strength

Look no further than the centers to find the strength – and heartbeat – of this Fiji team. Not only is the combination of Levani Botia and Semi Radradra the best in Fiji, it may well be the best in the world. Both players possess an enormous amount of power, pace, and creativity, making them threats to open up a defense with every touch of the ball. 

While neither player is a lockdown defender per se, they both are liable to lay destructive hits in the midfield and stop an attack in its tracks. To beat the Fijian backline, you have to get these guys moving side-to-side because you don’t want either coming at you with a full head of steam. 

Radradra is a candidate for World Player of the Year while Botia is a specimen himself. Don’t look away for a second when these two are involved. 

Weakness

Scrum-half could prove to be the area that limits Fiji in some aspect this Autumn Nations Cup. Of the three halfbacks in the squad, only Frank Lomani has any international experience, and that just includes 15 caps. Pitted against some of the stoutest defenses in the world, Fiji will need to be precise and accurate with the ball. 

Perhaps Fiji’s halfbacks will prove up to the challenge, but if there’s ever a position you want experience at, it’s probably halfback. 

Commentary

Fiji will square off with France, Scotland, and Italy in Pool B of the Autumn Nations Cup, providing the islanders three great opportunities to take down a tier-1 side. Since 2017, Fiji has defeated each one of these three European sides, so there’s little doubt they can pull off another win this fall. 

With a strong coaching staff headed by former Scotland national team and Glasgow Warriors boss Vern Cotter, and a highly talented roster, don’t be surprised if Fiji makes a good run in Pool B of the Autumn Nations Cup. 

Schedule

France vs Fiji | Nov. 15 | 10:15 am ET

Italy vs Fiji | Nov. 21 | 7:45 am ET

Scotland vs Fiji | Nov. 28 | 8:45 am ET

How to Watch:

STREAMING: Sign up here to watch the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup on FloRugby.

On Your TV: Now Available on Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast & Apple TV.

Cast: Cast to your smart TV including Vizio, Samsung and LG TVs.

On The Go: Download the FloSports app on iOS or Android.

Archived Footage

Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloRugby subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.

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