Fijian Flair Targets French Resistance
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday November 1, 2008
FRANCE have been put on notice to expect the unexpected from their Fijian rivals in today's showdown at WIN Stadium.
And Fijian coach Joe Dakuitoga yesterday confirmed the Bati have been given the green light to throw the ball around in a bid to break down the French resistance."Oh yes, you'll see a lot of Fijian flair from us," Dakuitoga said."We may be a smaller team, but we have big hearts."Raging favourites to win today, France are attempting to secure first place in Group B after beating Scotland 36-18 in their opening game in Canberra on Sunday.But the Fijian backline boasts NRL players including Parramatta flyer Jarryd Hayne, Newcastle's Wes Naiqama and Bulldogs halfback Aaron Groom.The rest of the Fiji squad is largely made up of players from NSW and Queensland country competitions, leaving French coach John Monie to fear their unknown abilities."We only know a little about the individuals they have and don't know anything about the team," he admitted yesterday."They've probably got the advantage where they've had a look at us play last week, they've analysed the tapes."They probably know what we're going to do and we're unsure of what they are going to do."But with players like Jarryd Hayne and Wes (Naiqama) in the backline, they've got plenty of guys that can make a break."So they'll be dangerous," Monie conceded.However, Brisbane Broncos second-rower Ashton Sims has warned his Fiji team-mates that footloose entertainment will only get the team so far in the tournament.Sims is adamant the Fijian forwards must be prepared to match the French muscle in today's game."It's up to us to minimise their go forward and use our strength in the backs," he said."We've got a lot of strike power out wide, as do they."The onus is on our forwards to make it a good tight match."FRANCEBest known for: the Eiffel Tower, Tour de France, winning 1998 football World Cup, luring Mark Gasnier and Sonny Bill Williams to rugby union.Best World Cup: Runners-up 1954 and '68Key playersJames Wynne (hooker)A former Illawarra Steeler, Wynne has been playing in French domestic rugby league for the past six seasons, making him eligible to play for France in the World Cup. Came off the bench to win man-of-the-match in the victory over Scotland in Canberra on Sunday, but will start today because Julien Rinaldi is out with a fractured cheekbone.Jerome Guisset (second row)A powerful prop, Guisset has switched to second row for the World Cup campaign. The 29-year-old played with the Canberra Raiders in 1999 before joining Warrington, then Wigan and is now with Catalans in the Super League competition.John Wilson (centre)Originally from Coffs Harbour, Wilson played 62 NRL games with Wests Tigers and three with Parramatta, before joining Catalans in 2006.FIJIBest known for: kava, palm trees, military coup in 2006, winning rugby World Cup sevens in 1997 and 2005.Best World Cup: Group stage 1995, 2000Key playersAshton Sims (second row)The Broncos star leads a largely unknown Fijian pack into battle today. The 23-year-old Gerringong junior moved to Brisbane this year from the Dragons.Akuila Uate (winger)The 21-year-old Newcastle winger was described by Andrew Johns as the "greatest rugby league athlete I've ever seen". Uate debuted for the Knights this season and is one of Fiji's biggest weapons.Jarryd Hayne (fullback)After a meteoric 2007 when he represented NSW Origin, Hayne found the going tough this year as Parramatta missed the NRL finals. Hayne is part of a star-studded backline that must fire for Fiji to win.THE VERDICT - Fiji will undoubtedly throw a lot at France, but it is hard to see them laying a platform in the forwards to allow the likes of Jarryd Hayne and Wes Naiqama to weave their magic. France are well-drilled and provided they improve their handling from the Scotland game they should be able to control the contest.TIM BARROW'S TIP: France by 16
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