Fiji v Barbarians, 30 November

After a week where the largest concern was whether the clubs holding contracted Fijian players would actually allow the Fijians to play in the match that represents the nations celebration of a hundred years of rugby union, they finally announce their team.

Well done to all the clubs that see the greater picture on the beauty of rugby over using money as an excuse for doing the wrong thing...

Let's hope it's a great game.

Barbarians:

15 Santiago Cordero, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Gavin Williams, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Charles Piutau, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Mick O'Driscoll, 3 Matias Diaz, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Guillermo Roan, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Manuel Carizza, 20 Luke Whitelock, 21 Martin Landajo, 22 Tom Taylor, 23 Willie le Roux.


Fiji:

15 Nikola Matawalu, 14 Adriu Delai, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Levani Botia, 11 Sam Speight, 10 Seremaia Bai, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Nemani Nagusa, 7 Sam Matavesi/Netani Talei, 6 Mala Ravulo, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Peni Ravai, 1 Campese Ma'afu.

Replacements: 16 Jerry Naureure, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18 Sete Somoca, 19 Maku Koroiyadi, 20 Sam Matavesi/Netani Talei, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Waisea Luveniyali, 23 Alex Rokobaro.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is relishing the chance to work with some of his under-used players as he prepares the Barbarians team to play Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday.

Eight New Zealanders feature in the 23-strong invitation squad to celebrate Fiji rugby's centenary, and the match will allows Barbarians coach Hansen a chance to further develop a handful of All Blacks players who played little or no rugby during their season-ending tour.

Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu and first-season All Blacks Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua are joined by five others who took no part in the Tests against France, England and Ireland this month - namely wing Frank Halai, utility back Tom Taylor, loose forward Luke Whitelock, lock Dominic Bird, and uncapped scrum-half TJ Perenara.

Halai, Whitelock and Bird each won their first Test cap against Japan in Tokyo on November 2, and for Hansen the tour thereafter was about learning off the field in Europe. "To then have them experience everyday life touring, particularly up in the northern hemisphere, was important," he said. The Barbarians game has no pressure of a Test match but there will be a similar Test-match type atmosphere with about 70,000 people going."

Hansen was impressed with the attitude and work ethic of all his young tourists who weren't involved in the major Tests, and he said they had all been given skills to improve, and a fitness program to complete ahead of next season.

Ardie Savea was not ready to feature in the Barbarians squad, Hansen said, as he had travelled with the All Blacks on an "apprentice scheme" to learn first-hand about preparing for Tests. "He's not ready yet, he's only 97kg.

"One of the big things we wanted to do with Ardie was to not only get him exposed to the environment but particularly to [fitness trainer] Nick Gill and get him in the gym and see if we can get him bigger and stronger."


Read more at

http://www.espnscrum.com/barbarians/rugby/story/207329.html#e2lc5hW7lAavQgRC.99

Date: Saturday, November 30
Venue: Twickenham, London
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce, Greg Garner (England)
Television match official: David Grashoff (England)
 
1. Fiji
[tbc]
 
2. Barbarians
 
15 Santiago Cordero
14 Frank Halai
13 Gavin Williams
12 Jean de Villiers (captain)
11 Charles Piutau
10 Patrick Lambie
9 TJ Perenara
 
8 Duane Vermeulen
7 Schalk Burger
6 Steven Luatua
5 Dominic Bird
4 Flip van der Merwe
3 Matias Diaz
2 Bismarck du Plessis
1 Tendai Mtawarira
 
Replacements:
16 Keven Mealamu
17 Guillermo Roan
18 Coenie Oosthuizen
19 Manuel Carizza
20 Luke Whitelock
21 Martin Landajo
22 Tom Taylor
23 Willie le Roux

Anyone know if this one will be on television?

I posted the same thread yesterday and no one paid any interest.

Sorry Maes - I looked for a thread and couldn't find one. Boards are quite quiet generally at the moment.
 
Surprised there's no interest - I'd watch any match with Matawalu, Bai, Nalaga and Nagusa in it although I understand that there may be a problem with French based players released this time.

Great post GC! Can't believe somebody hasn't made a thread about this already.  

Cheeky Hansen is using this as experience for 8 ABs who apart from Piutau and Luatua haven't played on the European tour. The nail biting finish meant TJ Perenara didn't come onto the field but I never know if this means he got a cap officially or he needs to come onto the field. If it's the former it won't be keeping with the tradition of having an uncapped player in the BBs team. In fact some of the NZ players make this more a CBs side. But some good Bok players so the Fiji team should get a good game and I expect them to lose. If it opens up though it should be an entertaining game.

Personally I much prefer picking fringe players than soon to be retiring legends so there should be plenty of motivation from the NZ and Bok players' to catch their coach's eye. No booze ups or willy nilly tackling from these guys. It'll mean something I reckon which is how it should be. Too many games for the BBs in recent times where the players haven't cared enough about performance let alone result. Shag won't tolerate that.

Actually looking through the team Mealamu also played and the Boks have frontline players for their team. Good to see Burger back and that is one huge mobile back row!

A crushing win against Fiji looks on the cards with that blend of youth and experience.

No TV coverage, no radio coverage, BBC haven't even acknowledged this on their fixtures page...!

Should be a cracking game, with some awesome open rugby...

He's only 97 kg. As if he were a schoolboy runt always being picked on for his size!

So according to that article TJ is uncapped. Means you have to go on the field.

Guess there's no media coverage because it's Fiji. Clubs won't release players from UK or Ireland so marginal appeal for the media. Which is a shame because I saw Spain vs Japan and it was a good crowd and a close game for much of it until Japan pulled away at the end.

maestegmafia wrote:No TV coverage, no radio coverage, BBC haven't even acknowledged this on their fixtures page...!

Should be a cracking game, with some awesome open rugby...

It must be Maes, it is shown live in SA at 16h30

Biltong wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:No TV coverage, no radio coverage, BBC haven't even acknowledged this on their fixtures page...!

Should be a cracking game, with some awesome open rugby...

It must be Maes, it is shown live in SA at 16h30

Probably because there are no British players playing...!

Sky sports 2 HD are showing it in the UK, the Baa baas are usually on BBC when they play.

maestegmafia wrote:Sky sports 2 HD are showing it in the UK, the Baa baas are usually on BBC when they play.

Only when they play Wales

Haven't seen any other Baabaas games on the BBC, they have all been on sky.

It is always sad when old traditions die out but you look at this fixture and who is playing and you have to wonder.

It is not that there are no good players on display - it just has no real connection with NH rugby other than where it is being played

Thanks Kia - credit has to go to Maes for trying it first.

Fijian admin isn't that great - cannot find anywhere online even what their matchday squad is likely to be.

The Barbarians seems to be very SH-biased these days regardless of when the games are played.

He didn't have eye-catching emoticons.  

Cyril what does that tell you about international and club rugby up north? Very hard to get players released for games that are traditionally held up north.

Maes - have asked the mods to merge our threads.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Cyril what does that tell you about international and club rugby up north? Very hard to get players released for games that are traditionally held up north.

Yeah, that and the falling stock of the Barbarians brand in recent years. I guess the two are connected.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Great post GC! Can't believe somebody hasn't made a thread about this already.  

George Carlin wrote:Thanks Kia - credit has to go to Maes for trying it first.

Actually... https://www.606v2.com/t49831-barbarians-vs-fiji-30th-november

Now you know Notch. Shiny bells and whistles to attract the sheep.  

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Now you know Notch. Shiny bells and whistles to attract the sheep.  

I would never stoop to adding gimmicks to threads just to get comments.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Is it true Mick O'Driscoll is playing?

There is something hypnotic about your last post GC. I can't quite put my finger on it... as it keeps moving.

There are three, forged in the fires of Mt Mouton.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Is it true Mick O'Driscoll is playing?

For some unbelievable reason- yes.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Is it true Mick O'Driscoll is playing?

LF4L - he is listed as starting on a couple of match previews but not on the official Babas site.

http://www.barbarianfc.co.uk/news/564/de-villiers-leads-against-fiji/

Listed here GC?

Barbarians team to play Fiji

15 Santiago Cordera
14 Frank Halai
13 Gavin Williams
12 Jean de Villiers (captain)
11 Charles Piutau
10 Patrick Lambie
9 T J Perenara
1 Tendai Mtawarira
2 Bismarck du Plessis
3 Matias Diaz
4 Manuel Carizza
5 Dominic Bird
6 Steven Luatua
7 Schalk Burger
8 Duane Vermeulen

16 Keven Mealamu
17 Guillermo Ruan
18 Coenie Oosthuizen
19 Mick O'Driscoll
20 Luke Whitelock
21 Martin Landajo
22 Tom Taylor
23 Willie le Roux

Sounds like Fiji are struggling to field a team. What is the point in this game.

Notch wrote:http://www.barbarianfc.co.uk/news/564/de-villiers-leads-against-fiji/

Listed here GC?

Barbarians team to play Fiji

15 Santiago Cordera
14 Frank Halai
13 Gavin Williams
12 Jean de Villiers (captain)
11 Charles Piutau
10 Patrick Lambie
9 T J Perenara
1 Tendai Mtawarira
2 Bismarck du Plessis
3 Matias Diaz
4 Manuel Carizza
5 Dominic Bird
6 Steven Luatua
7 Schalk Burger
8 Duane Vermeulen

16 Keven Mealamu
17 Guillermo Ruan
18 Coenie Oosthuizen
19 Mick O'Driscoll
20 Luke Whitelock
21 Martin Landajo
22 Tom Taylor
23 Willie le Roux

aha. So it is real then. Good luck to him - what a great experience.

He played in a baabaas side a couple of years ago when they beat Ireland before we went on the tour to NZ.

He's been retired for two years, he must still be playing club rugby in the AIL?!

Hope he hasn't been on the official Brian Moore post-retirement Diet Plan or it could be painful viewing  

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Sounds like Fiji are struggling to field a team. What is the point in this game.

Considering the issues Wales suffer trying to get players released for International matches when we are outside the IRBs window, I have massive sympathy for FIji, more so than Wales to be honest...

This is a game Fijian rugby needs financially. It should be celebrated and cherished, they are a great rugby nation.

It's their centenary year and their military government isn't being recognized internationally. Go easy on them Leinster.

Last three Fijian Teams who played on tour this Autumn

Fiji vs Romania - Romania 7 - 26 Fiji

Team
15 FB
Metuisela Talebulamaijaina
14 W
Timoci Nagusa
13 C
Asaeli Tikoirotuma
12 C
Nemani Nadolo Nasiganiyavi
11 W
Napolioni Nalaga
10 FH
Seremaia Baikeinuku
9 SH
Nemia Kenatale Ranuku
1 P
Jerry Yanuyanutawa
2 H
Seremaia Naureuere Namaraevu
3 P
Setefano Somoca
4 L
Wame Lewaravu
5 L
Api Naikatini
6 F
Mala Ravulo
7 F
Akapusi Qera (c)
8 N8
Masi Matadigo
Replacements
16 H
Peni Ravai
17 P
Campese Ma'afu
18 P
Manasa Saulo Ramumu
19 F
Sam Matavesi
20 N8
Nemani Nagusa
21 SH
Henry Seniloli
22 FH
Alex Rokobaro
23 C
Malakai Bakaniceva Radikedike


Fiji vs Italy - Italy 37 - 31 Fiji

Team
15 FB
Metuisela Talebulamaijaina
14 W
Timoci Nagusa
13 C
Asaeli Tikoirotuma
24
12 C
Nemani Nadolo Nasiganiyavi
28
11 W
Napolioni Nalaga
10 FH
Seremaia Baikeinuku
9 SH
Nemia Kenatale Ranuku
1 P
Jerry Yanuyanutawa
2 H
Vili Veikoso
3 P
Setefano Somoca
4 L
Api Naikatini
5 L
Wame Lewaravu
6 F
Dominiko Waqaniburotukula
7 F
Akapusi Qera (c)
20
8 N8
Masi Matadigo
25
Replacements
16 H
Seremaia Naureuere Namaraevu
17 P
Campese Ma'afu
18 P
Manasa Saulo Ramumu
19 L
Sisa Koyamaibole
67
20 N8
Mala Ravulo
21 SH
Nikola Matawalu
22
Waisea Luveniyali
23 F
Adriu Delai


Fiji vs Portugal - Portugal 13 - 36 Fiji

Team
15 FB
Timoci Nagusa
14 W
Napolioni Nalaga
13 C
Nemani Nadolo Nasiganiyavi
12 C
Seremaia Baikeinuku
11 W
Asaeli Tikoirotuma
10 FH
Waisea Luveniyali
9 SH
Nikola Matawalu
1 P
Jerry Yanuyanutawa
2 H
Vili Veikoso
3 P
Setefano Somoca
4 L
Api Ratuniyarawa
5 L
Wame Lewaravu
6 F
Api Naikatini
7 F
Akapusi Qera (c)
8 N8
Sisa Koyamaibole
Replacements
16 H
Seremaia Naureuere Namaraevu
17 P
Campese Ma'afu
18 P
Manasa Saulo Ramumu
19 L
Dominiko Waqaniburotukula
20 N8
Mala Ravulo
21 FH
Nemia Kenatale Ranuku
22 W
Alex Rokobaro
23 C
Levani Botia

maestegmafia wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Sounds like Fiji are struggling to field a team. What is the point in this game.

Considering the issues Wales suffer trying to get players released for International matches when we are outside the IRBs window, I have massive sympathy for FIji, more so than Wales to be honest...

This is a game Fijian rugby needs financially. It should be celebrated and cherished, they are a great rugby nation.

I agree. Having their big game against the Barbarians is bad enough but the fact that its outside the IRB window is even worse and very disrespectful to Fiji rugby.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Sounds like Fiji are struggling to field a team. What is the point in this game.

Considering the issues Wales suffer trying to get players released for International matches when we are outside the IRBs window, I have massive sympathy for FIji, more so than Wales to be honest...

This is a game Fijian rugby needs financially. It should be celebrated and cherished, they are a great rugby nation.

I agree. Having their big game against the Barbarians is bad enough but the fact that its outside the IRB window is even worse and very disrespectful to Fiji rugby.

It is their centenary year and only the Baa Baas wanted to play them at a large International ground, pretty poor show of all the top ten IRB ranked teams...!

The largest nations have to start doing more for the smaller ones, player release, games, tours else all that is happening is the drain of their best players to the richest clubs.

The clubs which allow them to play and train professionally and probably make a great deal more money to support themselves and their families than they ever could at home. There is a balance to achieve and we all love seeing PI teams but those 'evil clubs' do more to support PI players than their home unions do.

lostinwales wrote:The clubs which allow them to play and train professionally and probably make a great deal more money to support themselves and their families than they ever could at home. There is a balance to achieve and we all love seeing PI teams but those 'evil clubs' do more to support PI players than their home unions do.

Ye clubs signing players from the PIs, Georgia etc. is crucial for the tier 2 nations. I think we would all like to see these nations get more top flight games but the way the schedule is now means that its not really possible.

From Moce Viti

The after match function was followed by a “Qusi ni Loaloa” performed by the Management to the team for a job well after a successful outing as well as to farewell players departing for their clubs in France and Japan at the closure of the IRB window. These included Napolioni Nalaga, Timoci Nagusa, Wame Lewaravu, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Malakai Bakaniceva and Nemani Nadolo. No alcohol was allowed and the Romanians were invited to share the experience with us.

Now begins the nightmare for the two managers making sure that we have replacement players for the match against the Barbarians in Twickenham, London on November 30th. We hope to rope in Netani Talei, Nikola Matawalu, Leone Nakarawa, Henry Speight, Maitoga, Koroiyadi and Apolosi to fill the gap and have our fingers crossed.

maestegmafia wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Sounds like Fiji are struggling to field a team. What is the point in this game.

Considering the issues Wales suffer trying to get players released for International matches when we are outside the IRBs window, I have massive sympathy for FIji, more so than Wales to be honest...

This is a game Fijian rugby needs financially. It should be celebrated and cherished, they are a great rugby nation.

I agree. Having their big game against the Barbarians is bad enough but the fact that its outside the IRB window is even worse and very disrespectful to Fiji rugby.

It is their centenary year and only the Baa Baas wanted to play them at a large International ground, pretty poor show of all the top ten IRB ranked teams...!

The largest nations have to start doing more for the smaller ones, player release, games, tours else all that is happening is the drain of their best players to the richest clubs.

Well said. It's a real travesty. The AB's are culpable here. The NZRU told the Fijian Rugby Union that there was no space in the calendar for a centenary game against NZ, and then they organised the Japan match after that. It's just digusting really.

It is another sad reflection of the direction rugby is being dragged. It doesn't need to go this way. But some people hold making short term gains higher than long term prosperity.

A coupe of days ago there was a video on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOwzK2PtmLw (now private for some reason) of the barbarians-fiji match from 1970.

The baa-baas had a very strong team out and got absolutely stuffed 29-9 and Fiji could easily have scored double that if the highlights are anything to go by. Of course the eras aren't comparable but if anything Fiji's player pool should have benefitted more from professionalism than the home unions. Sad what has happened instead.

I'd really like to watch this match just to see how Schalk Burger goes. And, does anyone know who the 13 (Gavin Williams) is? Sounds Welsh, though I've never heard of him. Expat maybe?

The Saint wrote:I'd really like to watch this match just to see how Schalk Burger goes. And, does anyone know who the 13 (Gavin Williams) is? Sounds Welsh, though I've never heard of him. Expat maybe?

You probably know of his father (Bryan a.k.a. Bee Gee) and brother (Paul), Sorry I cant  see him ever playing for wales.

Er, Samoan international centre Gavin Williams? You've got the wrong Williams, its his brother Paul who knows how to win at the Millennium Stadium!

Notch, have they named the wrong brother?

Planet Rugby just published their preview with Fiji's team as TBC...

This is not looking good, they are really struggling to find players...!

Fiji: tbc
Date: Saturday, November 30
Venue: Twickenham, London
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce, Greg Garner (England)
Television match official: David Grashoff (England)

Fiji team manager Joe Browne said his side were battling to field a competitive side as several of their players returned to their clubs following last weekend's 26-7 victory against Romania.
"The game against Romania was, as we expected, really tough up front and they battled us all the way to the wire," said Browne, who has lost Napolioni Nalaga, Timoci Nagusa, Wame Lewaravu, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Malakai Bakaniceva and Nemani Nadolo.
"The nightmare is making sure that we have replacement players for the match against the Barbarians.
"We hope to rope in Netani Talei, Nikola Matawalu, Leone Nakarawa and Henry Speight to fill the gap and have our fingers crossed."