So how did Fiji down the Wallabies? | Rugby World Cup 2023 Analysis

[@jameswyatt4443]

World Rugby is absolutely clueless. If they want to grow the game, they need to allow highlights on KZbin. They're basically banning free advertisement for the game.

[@london_to_the_bay]

Absolute balls up... no idea

[@jonathanharwood1255]

Yep. Especially considering the official channels have horrible highlight reels.

[@thewielloyd988]

If World Rugby knew what was good for them they'd get Squidge a villa in the south of France, give him an editing crew (including his bro) and pay him a squillion euros to pump out content for their new RugbyPassTV platform on a full-time basis. Imagine all the historical reviews he could be doing, dipping into the archives to break-down how the game has evolved.

[@london_to_the_bay]

@@thewielloyd988 don't talk sense.. This is world rugby.. they are on par with rugby Australia.. useless as tits on a bull

[@wilfredoUbatuba]

just like Sanzar, their greed is boundless

[@thewelshdm]

Seriously though, I'm amazed how you're able to convey the events, the tactics, and the analysis using stills and old clips, truly a masterful effort

[@michaelx3419]

Agreed. I’m more into cricket and still learning the subtleties of rugby, which is sacrilegious as a South African 😂 But after I watch his videos I can hold my own over beers.

[@fidelcasteroil4662]

Rugby isn’t rugby without a squidge review. Great video.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

It's kind of like having a waffle and then someone forgot the maple syrup

[@suede16]

I always get a little bit sad if I watch a big match and then their isn't a squidge rugby review. Life just doesn't feel complete.

[@fidelcasteroil4662]

@@suede16 I know right. I really hope he does a review on SA vs Ireland. That match is going to be great regardless of who wins.

[@a7uiop]

Maaaaaaaaate

[@_Opal_Miner_]

I holiday down south of Sigatoka on the Coral Coast in Fiji, in an old beachfront A-frame and I can tell you 1st hand just how ingrained in everyday life rugby is. It is all kids do at luchtime, and from the final school bell ringing until it gets dark they are laughing, kicking, passing and stepping. My son and I get amongst it and it is a wonderful experience to feel the love and energy and the joy they get from the game. I've had a few visits to the sand dunes the team use for cardio training, I've seen the billboards up the local heroes and I've mucked around playing, each kid emulating their favourite player. Fijian rugby is just getting started. There is way more to come.

[@vulimailincoln]

its rugby played in heaven, mate! Glad you enjoyed moments like that.

[@just-dl]

This makes me happy. 😜

[@snakehunter2.072]

Kinda saddened to see no one talking about the marvelous kicking of Kuruvali. That dude wasn’t able to miss a single shot on goal!

[@098saw]

Oh man when the Fijian captain pointed for the points that really scared me. Fiji with game control.

[@duplicafly98]

@@098saw Instantly, fiji goes from pleasant tier 2 hoora rugby to essentially tier 1. And it showed during this game

[@eddietomasi6164]

Yes, kuruvoli was phenomenal. His not like some other knickers but taking to long to adjust their position.

[@newb_7776]

YES!!! Exactly what I was saying. AMAZING from him and is critical for Fiji’s win.

[@fobmaster]

@@BaBa-uh2sj your mum was average

[@kaoskongo]

As a Fijian, I love rugby, but not at a 'this is a 1 3 3 1 breakdown' understanding level, so your videos really help me appreciate my team's plays more. Vinaka and thank you!

[@AD-hl7ru]

I think that’s why the island teams aren’t dominating rugby union at international level due to their tactics and lack of infrastructure etc. The rugby players yous have is second to none in terms of genuine raw ability.

[@mrhappytimes]

@@AD-hl7ruVinaka brother

[@j0esh91]

​@@AD-hl7ru Spot on.

[@AviatorJosh81]

This year it should be called '[REDACTED] World Cup' that's how much they are limiting any videos like this. Even with these issues, the videos are still great, good job!

[@System-Update]

Fiji's conditioning coach is "Tweety" Sylvester who used to be Head of England's Fitness and conditioning. Ex RM PTI, he is a beast and you could see the difference in the Fiji team. Also, the loveliest bloke you could meet. Perfect fit for Fiji.

[@vulimailincoln]

he just joined recently. The S&C has been mostly Naca Cawanibuka who was the S&C for the back-to-back gold medal at the Olympics before moving on to the Drua. If you watch all the Drua's matches, you could not point out any sign of lack of S&C impact. Great to have another S&C as we're always in need of resources. But we make do with what we have as a supposedely Tier 2. LOL

[@pabloshopen4172]

Thank you so much Squidge! You have reignited my love of rugby - bringing back the poetry, passion and perspicaciousness!

[@deeps2169]

Looks like Australia actually were going for the croissants after all 🤔

[@TheCosmerenaut1]

😂😂😂 great reference

[@brodericki4281]

Just you wait…mate

[@brodericki4281]

As in it’ll probs get worse against Cymry Wales

[@JamesBond-gb1do]

😂😂😂😂

[@tatoemonkey]

maaaate 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@andrewlehane7118]

I love the still pictures, show me more, maybe we could see 30 per second! That should resolve the issues, it's what Bill Beaumont would want

[@sly4x692]

Kuruvoli just went from halfback to one of the most important key players in the team. Fiji's win over Australia was unfijian and shows how well Fiji can cope up with tier one nations if they play structure with flair...

[@АнастасияГержевич]

World Rugby's stubbornness on copyright is infuriating and so bad for the game. Thank you for the video Squidge!! And wow what a fantastic game it was!

[@shiraz1736]

Australian Rugby began its slow decline when they sold everything to Murdoch.

[@chrishowell5718]

Dear Bill Beaumont, World Rugby should be paying this man to advertise its product, and supplying him with video to do it. That is all.

[@GRB-tj6uj]

If they get out the group, Raiwalui should get coach of the year. The sign of good coaching is to make a team better, and Fiji are improving every game. Not only that, he´s made a number of very ballsy decisions that all turned out to be right. Dropping Volavola and backing the young 10's, benching Tuisova and Botia against Wales, starting Kuruvoli against Australia and the biggest one: putting Tuisova at 12. For the last one he traded Radradra's playmaking for Tuisova's defensive capabilities, which is a big decision. But Raiwalui correctly recognized where the game would be won and lost (and Tuisova won motm, and it couldv'e been Kuruvoli if he played longer). That piece of coaching is as good as you will see from any coach this World Cup, and a lot better than what we're seeing from some better payed coaches with a lot more resources.

[@GRB-tj6uj]

Also, I love how people are forgetting that Georgia are still very much in it in this group. I thought they really underperformed against Australia, but if they get it right beating Wales, Fiji and Portugal isn't undoable for them.

[@joeritchie2]

It’s a very tough group, no question.

[@joeritchie2]

Very well put. To me Simon is already coach of the year, unless South Africa defends the title when it probably should be Rassnaber for the Springboks innovative approach to the game.

[@butter0milk]

I do not think radradra is a playmaker (distributor of ball) than he is a runner. maybe thats why Simon put him on the wing where he belongs. Large enough and fast enough and menacing enough to cause some real headache to the opponent. I do not say this because we have seen him already in the last few matches of course. Centre positions call for specialists who must/can do both : rampaging runs as well as ball distribution. Something Viliame Satala could do well in the past. I agree about Simon being coach of the year though. Fiji will make the QF but we must keep a lid on our expectations and be realistic. I think Fiji will be very competitive at the 2027 RWC if they can continue to draw from the Drua and have Simon's coaching panel to direct traffic.

[@tomkripzak9049]

Thank you for your work! The Rugby World Cup is rallye stupid for not allowing you to use footage,.I'm from Germany and there realky is not a lot of rugby to be seen in TV here, outside the World Cup, so you took me from having heard of rugby at seen a little bit here and there to beeing a fan of Rugby. Keep your head up, your fans will stay with you, your doing great easier times are coming

[@conraider7438]

Much as I miss the video element, the stills slow down the action and make it easier to follow Squidge step by step and understand the gameplans. Keep it up, bun World Rugby!

[@olglez9230]

What a year it's been for Fiji! Three wins over tier one opposition (Japan, Australia, England), a Pacific Nations Cup win, and a very real prospect of getting to the QF or even the semis of this world cup

[@Jacksiloution]

Wait genuine question but japan is t1?

[@yan-evenneple7181]

@@Jacksiloution It have been upgraded to tier 1 recently iirc

[@AlphaNevada123]

@@Jacksiloutionyeah I think money had a factor in it as well. Fiji have won more matches against tier 1 teams in last year than Japan has in last four years

[@saoirsedeltufo7436]

and deserved a fourth win...

[@Jeff-fx7bh]

"Buying a house is only possible if you sign for Saracens" Excellent haha

[@charlottescott7150]

Thank you Robbie (and Will?) for the effort and insight that went into this excellent review. Loved the match!

[@bubblesthemonkey6615]

From the U.S. and trying to learn more about rugby, without videos like this I’d have an even tougher time learning. Thanks for this.

[@JamesBond-gb1do]

Brilliant review. I say that not because I'm Fijian 😂 but because your tactical breakdowns are superb.

[@MoonLampy]

Outstanding content as usual Squidge. Can I just say, it’s depressing and infuriating how terrible World Rugby are at marketing their product. Give access to highlight packages for creators like Squidge. I live in North America, anytime a professional sport (hockey, basketball, baseball) is played here, I can get commentary, coverage, breakdowns a few minutes after the final whistle is blown. It is so incredibly hard for me to watch rugby here. It’s like World Rugby have taken a conscious decision that they want to shrink the game and put up barriers to access. Also, what’s up with this schedule? Such big gaps between games.

[@paulbarbat1926]

1° Play a half of Rugby Union. That's 40 mins. Compared to American football, it's like playing a full match without breaks, and less time between play phases because the attack will not wait for you. 2° Try to do it again 3 days after. World Rugby decided no team would have less than 5 days rest between games for this world cup, to be sure the schedule affects the least possible the teams. When a team rested 3 days and the other rested 5 between two matches, you can see who will have the most chances to win, even without knowing their levels. And this schedule, along with the small number of teams per pool, leads to 1 game a week without possibility to put too much mid-week games Most regular season games are doing the same (Top 14 in France for example plays all games on Saturdays and Sundays)

[@rossbroomfield5199]

Yeah its a shame, I suspect its a bit of a case of the likes of the NFL, NBA, MLB etc can afford to to do it. There so much income through advertising that they don't need to try and get people to only watch official stuff. Its certainly short sighted and as with many sports there's still a lot of old people at the top remembering the good old days or just on a power trip but there may be some genuine reasons behind it

[@tomasflatharta]

Agree with you with tight copyrights, no need especially when it promotes the WC. I disagree with the schedule thing. I have work and other things in my life, so having a month of big weekend games with some cheeky mid weekday games is heaven to me.

[@thomashughes7336]

Diloch Squidge! Another banger as per. I'll be sad if Fiji don't make it through, but we need a win against Australia to help make that happen.

[@oj9370]

Finally, squidge, I feel like I've been patiently refreshing your feed sighing at the lack of updates. You exceeded yourself again with this review. Thanks !

[@tomsear1]

My mum and pop saw that game in 1952. & other Sydney games. Often Fijians played in bare feet. No 🥾. So, I as a skippie was prepared for and celebrate this win.

[@tomsear1]

Family stories of 🇫🇯 running in those games have been handed down in our fam

[@samurock100]

Radradra slept on that play at the 6:31 mark. He was suppose to be standing right near the sideline. He didnt make up for his mistake against Wales. Tuisova did.

[@davidorr-ewing4437]

I moment of huge appreciation for how you are persisting with these videos using still. Major major thanks.

[@TheLordoftheGings]

You know it's a good day when Squidge releases another video. And when you see it is for THAT game?! Oh yes, me oh my, I enjoyed that one.

[@wellington12able]

I gotta say though Fiji has never won a kicking battle right up until against the wallabies (whether it’s for territory or points) was mind blowing knowing Fiji has never had in their game, was satisfying to watch 🇫🇯🔥

[@dariobalado4054]

Appreciate you're busy these days, mate. And still making a great content. Good job pronouncing all the Fijian names. And GO ON IRELAND ☘☘☘

[@NewBlackAlchemy]

That Israel Folau shot was icing on the top of another excellent video.😂

[@nanikasan_]

Australia didnt pay bad, Fiji just played close to perfect. As a French, I totally want fiji to get to the semis!!!

[@funkyswamyG]

I would like to thank all the people of France who have showed their massive love n support to Fiji.

[@sly4x692]

@@Faulkner152 it's just the beginning and what's more interesting is how will they perform in the next world cup...

[@thibauddelcourt6148]

@@funkyswamyGI had the chance to watch the game in the stadium, it was insane how French people was supporting them ! Beautiful

[@sly4x692]

@@Faulkner152 that is true.... we were lucky to at least play against England and France apart from the Pacific Nations Cup which has provided a good platform going into the world cup.

[@casperredsman]

Believe me. Australia played BAD. Their game management resembled that of a lobomised chimp

[@ApakukiNayacakalou]

Brilliant analysis!! Had to bring my playback speed back to normal because you pack so much in! LOL!

[@jvkanufan8115]

Awesome Squidge! You make me want to go back and watch a game when I already know the result. Thank you!

[@chrisfrancisbass]

10:26 so accurate… why do all dads hate the kicking game

[@thesquire6352]

Bula and congrats brothers, from nz, it's fijian language week here too

[@randyschwaggins]

Fiji were so unlucky to lose to Wales...even so they've now beaten England and Australia. They are finally fulfilling their potential.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Yes

[@aiseavolavola2964]

Been waiting for this forever. Thankyou from Fiji

[@london_to_the_bay]

Still soaking up the loss tbh... so it was good to see an expert opinion from what i saw... i felt that we just lacked leadership on the field in the last stanza and had no hope of bringing it back against a herculean fijian effort.. well played fiji, was one for the pool room memorabilia..

[@brethren26]

Thank you for figuring out a work around the footage debacle. Definitely missed your vids

[@monunyabidness5949]

"Alun Wynn Jones was just 21" I nearly choked on my food! Great stuff.

[@brettfleiner4906]

It's sad that the endless copyright strikes have resulted in the use of still images, but hats off to you for making it work!

[@eamontdmas]

Nice to see the best rugby channel back with more RWC content.

[@tcr4507]

How can anyone not love Fiji? Best team ever.

[@AlphaNevada123]

I’m putting this out there but I bet World Rugby are in private absolutely terrified about Fiji potentially getting to the semi finals as they would have to make them a tier 1 nation. If they do, many other teams will be asking why they aren’t being seen as tier one. If they don’t, WR is basically saying to the world they are an elitist organisation who is only aimed at protecting the current wealthy tier 1 teams who are (whilst encouraging the United States to be a rugby power)

[@MiseFreisin]

Would love to see Fiji make the semis, especially after the Chilean manager's post-match talk last night (he's right)

[@lucipherj]

Love the content as usual. And I love that you ironically made it out to be the Welsh talent/tactics that “beat” Fiji. Brilliantly done, that still with the foot in touch made it!

[@julianabson7870]

7.00 "Straighter than Israel Falou's wet dream". I laughed so hard. The best rugby analysis matched with a killer sense of humour.Thank you.

[@aimee6920]

Amazing effort with the videos, given the ridiculous circumstances. Thank you!!!

[@localmo88]

Semi Raj in the NRL should have been a drinking game. He used to score tries at will, great times on a Sunday watching him destroy teams for Paramatta. The Drua this year were the best part of watching Super Rugby. Play a style that leaves opposition in tatters when their on. Love Fiji, they rule.

[@sly4x692]

We lack some basic skills like cross kicks and cut out passes... at times you see Tuisova trying make a cut out passes to him... if he gets front football in space like in the NRL he can carve up any defense in the world..

[@ishopliftapples]

I can't wait to see the absolute lambasting that Squidge is going to give the wallabies when he reviews the Wales v Aus game

[@saoirsedeltufo7436]

Excellent work making up for the licencing bollocks - thanks for this

[@andreajohnson7414]

Excellent editing. Wonderful analysis.

[@Henniesmennie]

Something happened between Rassie and Squidge. Otherwise he would have covered more Springbok games. NZ beats the Boks - video made. Boks hands NZ their biggest defeat ever - no video. The beat an incredibly exciting Scottish team - no video. Maybe Rassie told him not to give away their secrets.

[@dipperpines3729]

My uncle is severo koroduadua, he's a retired police man now and relaxing all the time. Also love to drink kava with his friends 😊

[@SquidgeRugby]

If you ever get the chance, please tell him he still has fans who love him all over the world

[@JanLouisduToit]

"fitness gives you clarity" So good.

[@nemsuguturaga5115]

Outstanding content Squidge Rugby !

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

Defensively, Wales focussed on "repeatedly committing penalties at the 5 meter line and somehow not getting punished"

[@zephyrdraco8174]

Cymru am byth!

[@gwynwilliams4222]

Get a life Wales won nothing to do with the ref just watch the game gain some knowledge about rugby first before you commit

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

@@gwynwilliams4222 I didn't say anything about the ref.

[@IdyFfid]

No you didn't, but you did though didn't you?

[@K2_bilz]

True , fitness gives you clarity .

[@othervoice8597]

Hey Squidge, great analysis once again. I am a long time lurker and subscriber. It's joy to watch your content. Just a tid bit: the C in the Fijian language is pronounced "TH" so Caucaunibuca is pronounced Thauthaunibutha. Also, you mention Wales being brilliant at countering Fiji for certain minutes of their match. What's your opinion on the officiating of that game?

[@ZambeziKid]

We have to integrate secondary competitions in to the RWC, like they do in 7s. It is proven and a real no-brainer. All these massive score blow outs are no good for anyone.

[@kingCookiesupreme]

There's even the possibility of an all-PI QF with Samoa looking really assured coming into their Argentina fixture

[@VulgarHumanist]

Lovely stuff, Squidge!

[@mattcaine7614]

Thanks for carrying on despite the hurdles. Not surprising Rugby is dying in Australia given the barriers put up for a fan to watch the game.

[@jonahh619]

Top video! SO excited for Fiji to make it to the QFs! Would be horrible to see them get edged out on points!

[@albertniumat2118]

Thanks, always love your reviews! 🙂

[@88crazie]

Love your stuff, entertaining and insightful... Keep up it up 🎉

[@georgejonker2041]

I was literally waiting for this video!

[@alternatehistorysports]

If you're ever short of video ideas (i'm guessing 2 years between World Cups) please do a speculative video about a combined Pacific Island team (Fiji, Samoa, Tonga) in the Rugby World Cup. Sort of like an eastern version of the West Indies team in cricket, or the Ireland team combining two separate nations Republic of Ireland and Northern ireland.

[@hanoitripper1809]

Nice review hope Fiji make the final 🎉

[@newb_7776]

Ridiculous that you have to use stills. So frustrating for you. BUT… these are as incredible as ever! You’re great. Thank you.

[@Arthurvanwinkle69]

Wales’ master stroke was having 16 players on the field

[@Poweroftouch]

Sheep mate ,learn the rules .Wales way better side

[@patkuruvakadua4657]

​@@Poweroftouchthe tournament is just starting, let see who makes the last laugh

[@MiseFreisin]

hahah

[@jamieosborne6447]

Shame no video but a fair job done on the editing front with the snapshots to make some cracking content keep it up the squidge '23 world cup squad 👌

[@okobongdinko]

thank you for the nickname for marky mark, i can not say his surname at all. you have saved me pain

[@joshmcpherson2714]

Hi Squidge, just an idea, do a review for each team after the WC? Rank out of 10, against achievements and experience etc Be good to hear your thoughts and insights. Ive seen every game and given my own scores for ecah team and motm. All the best, enjoy the rest!!

[@robertdawsonscott9068]

It may sound counter-intuitive and I don’t want to let Works Rugby off the hook but there is a sense in the way you haves used still Images which makes it slightly easier to follow your lightning fast delivery. Just saying! Keep up the great work.

[@StarWarsAnime]

Might want to check your kicking stats, ones I found say Fiji kicked 29 times against Australia, England kicked 42 against Japan.

[@LynRees]

Gwaith da, Squidge. Good work.

[@cobuslouw96]

This strange, but there is something I like about the stills. It feels like I have more time to process the ideas you are conveying. It keeps things simple and descriptive. I guess a lot is happening in a video so it is easy to lose track of the main point you’re trying to make. Video is nice, but if done right stills can in some cases be more effective.

[@peterdavies8077]

Love that shirt Squidge!!!

[@RubyDoobieScoo]

Great job, to you and Fiji.

[@cspacebrown]

Great analysis!

[@funnypastors1100]

he took him straight to squarespace

[@jasonjones3638]

Fiji though are BANG-AVERAGE at the line out, scrum and line-out are as important as flair and power in rugby. Great win, but there's plenty of weakness to expose.

[@marcgraham4199]

Your work ethic is (insert favourite player here)esk

[@bigdayweddingfilms1649]

Come on Mr Squidge!! Hot takes on Jonathan Sexwank and Ireland overcoming 99% of the pundits and beating SA! 😂

[@StevenBenjaminAuthor]

Is it just me or does Squidges voice go a little squeakier or higher during the vid, like some helium found it's way into the recording room

[@ako8357]

Mad appreciative for everything you're doing under the stupidly self-defeating restrictions set by World Rugby!

[@garethrichmond4388]

🤝 this time my WC pool brothers we are both going to the QF and Australians are going in the pools

[@malcolmcowdry1282]

About 7 mins from full time, Koroibete gets hit by what looks like a high, no arms tackle, what did you think about that incident? For me it looked like it could have been a yellow card but at the very least should have been penalty especial as there was turnover straight after this.

[@MiseFreisin]

Off-topic, but every time the time in possession is penalised at the ruck and that message pops up under the scores, *HOLDING ON*, I think: "Me too, guys. Me too."

[@YOYOTh1s]

Great vid Squidgerugby, despite WR's best efforts!

[@andrewashmore8000]

Great footage.

[@Jambone0908]

Pish that world rugby won't give you permission to play video

[@c-maxprime]

Fiji was clearly robbed of their win against Wales. Do a vid on that. It was really embarrassing how the officials handled that game.

[@sisamusudroka3000]

Lol he's biased towards Wales, they won't make a stink even if they fart in his face.

[@YumboHD]

Pretty decent. Except 1954. Favourite bits were Severo in 1987. He also botched the game by dropping the ball, worse than Radradra.

[@dzzope]

Bangin video squdge 😂

[@mpbeastohugbear83]

Slapped the notification faster than an All Black slaps his girlfriend.

[@jgg0207]

Lol 😂 yo im ded

[@MrFrankie2shoes]

another great video! looking forward to your review of Ireland vs SA.....c'mon Ireland!!!

[@dario9276santos]

Please do one on Portugal's game against Wales Love from Portugal!

[@dimitardobrev3296]

Nice one