This will be a real test match. Nadolo will be worth two men on the field for Fiji. I am not saying that as hyperbole or to make you read my post twice. He really is that much of a factor. Some people are liabilities, some are assets, and some are giants. He is a giant. England are lucky they are playing Barritt. Nadolo would destroy Twelvetrees.
I mean you'd hope not, but there's clearly no guarantee that will be the case. Can Slade kick? What would cover more bases on the bench? Slade + Farrell or Slade + Burgess (or Slade + Burgess + Farrell and no Nowell)
Yes he's a very good kicker. Kicks for Exeter i believe? Id rather the second because i feel you need utility on your bench and Slade gives that more than anyone...but then i think Farrell is a massive twat and have obvious bias the other way. In theory though Slade as a 13 offers fullback and wing cover either putting him to 15 or moving JJ to the wing and dropping Watson back.
Looking at the numbers from last season, it appears Steenson did alot of the kicking but what he did take Slade converted at a better rate than both Ford and Farrell. No idea where he was taking them from mind
Slade's range is longer than Steenson's (so obviously he tends to do the long stuff). Steenson's kicking accuracy is phenomenal - especially in the swirling winds of Sandy Park. In pretty much any other AP team Slade would be kicking goals.
Getting super pumped for this already... just a sleep (or half sleep) away in NZ now! Hope the opening ceremony is worth getting up a bit earlier for, get up Fiji!
Quite pumped for this game. Watching the clock at work a bit. The Mrs has got drinks and nibbles in and agreed to watch it with me tonight. So it's the first time we'll be watching a game of rugby on TV that doesn't involve the All Blacks. Her training is coming along nicely.
Look out for giant wrecking ball Nadolo tonight. And their other wing Nayacalevu is frickin huuge too. The halfback Matawalu is a livewire who will snipe around the base of the scrum and breakdowns all night. KAMA FIJI! England: Mike Brown (Harlequins); Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby); George Ford (Bath Rugby); Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers); Joe Marler (Harlequins), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Geoff Parling (Exeter Chiefs), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Chris Robshaw (capt, Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby). Replacements: Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby). Fiji: Metuisela Talebula; Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Nemani Nadolo; Ben Volavola, Nikola Matawalu; Campese Ma'afu, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo; Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Leone Nakarawa; Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera, Sakiusa Masi Matadigo. Replacements: Tuapati Talemaitoga, Peni Ravai, Isei Colati, Tevita Cavubati, Peceli Yato, Nemia Kenatale, Joshua Matavesi, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.