The next time Fiji are in this part of west London, at the end of next week, the occasion will have a somewhat different feel. There will be TV cameras, a match programme, ticket touts, traffic chaos and a sell-out crowd for the opening match of the World Cup against England, but this low-profile hit-out against Canada suited the islanders, who showed that the depth of the pool of death goes a long way down.
The England coaches Stuart Lancaster and Andy Farrell were among the spectators as Fiji scored five tries in a match that did not last long as a contest. It was only when the islanders lost their scrum-half, Nikola Matawalu, just before half-time after he had marked the second of his tries with a dive that would have made Chris Ashton blush that the disorganisation for which they used to be renowned crept in.
Matawalu, who won the Pro12 with Glasgow last season before his summer move to Bath, was his side’s tactical hub, aware of opportunities around the fringe of rucks and set pieces and quick to make up his mind on a cloudless day which, with an afternoon kick-off, made conditions ideal for moving the ball.
Without Matawalu, Fiji became indecisive and there was a period in the final quarter when Canada, after the Sale wing Phil Mackenzie scored two tries in three minutes, scented if not victory a scoreline that would provide them with a moral triumph having trailed 40-8. But the mirage quickly disappeared as the leaders re-established what had been a marked supremacy up front. It may have been a match between two tier two nations, but there was a clear gap.
“Fiji looked big, physical and threatening,” said Lancaster. “Matawalu is a dangerous player, as he showed in the first play of the game, and what makes preparing for Fiji different is their unpredictability. A lot of people talk to me about our group games against Wales and Australia but I cannot afford to look beyond Friday night next week. I was pleased with our performance against Ireland, but we still have plenty to do.”
Fiji had not played for a month and they will go into the World Cup not having played a tier one nation for 10 months. If the difference between Fiji and England were measured in terms of financial resources, preparation time and rugby infrastructure, there would be no point in the islanders turning up next week with anything other than a large begging bowl but they have something money cannot buy and coaching cannot drum out, innate skills and a burning love of the game.
“It is a massive opportunity for us as a team,” said the Fiji captain and former Gloucester flanker, Akapusi Qera. “England are a world-class team but we have been together for 18 months and everyone knows the task that lies ahead of us. We are excited by it and we are not in the group to make up the numbers; we will be ready for England.”
Four years ago Fiji were a shambles at the World Cup, riven by internal division. Since then the New Zealander John McKee has taken over as head coach, instilling order and discipline without crushing the spirit of the side: one-handed offloads abounded against Canada (the Glasgow lock Leone Nakarawa was far more proficient at it using his left hand rather than his right) but the ball will be protected more against England with several moves ending here by players looking to play the ball rather than set up a ruck. Their scrum was strong and, apart from one horrible blunder over the top, their lineout delivered.
“We have put systems in place and we are seeing the reward of that in areas like the scrum,” said McKee. “I am sure we will cause an upset in this competition. We are in a pool in which I am sure there will be a number of twists and turns with teams beating each other. It could go right to the very end and it will be about far more than the first match.
“Things change quickly, as Wales have found this weekend with two potentially tournament-ending injuries to two of their key players. They face us five days after playing England and, while they have experienced internationals to call on, it would have to be better for us.”
All but four of Fiji’s starting line-up are based in one of the three major leagues in Europe. One of the exceptions was the imposing wing Nemani Nadolo, who plays for the Crusaders. He finished the day with a 100% kicking record, nine out of nine, but with the ball in hand he seemed mindful of picking up an injury and Canada, who start their tournament against Ireland a week on Saturday, were spared a few buffetings. England will not be so fortunate.
Fiji Talebula; Nayacalevu, Goneva (Murimurivalu, 75), Lovobalavu, Nadolo; Matavesi (Volavola, 62) Matawalu (Kenatale, 38); Ma’afu (Ravai, 51), Koto (Veikoso, 58), Saulo (Atalifo, 63), Ratuniyarawa (Cavubati, 55), Nakarawa, Waqaniburotu, Qera (capt), Masi (Talei, 44).
Tries Matawalu 2, Nayacalevu 2, Talebula. Cons Nadolo 5. Pens Nadolo 4. Sin-bin Talei 67
Canada Jones (Hearn, 44); Van der Merwe (Blevins, 67), Trainor, Braid, Mackenzie; Underwood, McRorie (Mack, 54); Buydens (Sears-Duru, 51), Piffero (Carpenter, 51), Marshall (Ilnicki, 58), Olmstead, Cudmore (capt; Sinclair, 51), Gilmour, Dala, Thorpe.
Tries Mackenzie 2, Trainor. Pen McRorie.
Referee M Raynal (Fr). Att 5,000.
