Satala loses kicking duel to Wood
Wood’s colleague at the Stoop had to endure the jibes of his Harlequins team mates on Monday when a challenge to Wood went awry. Each had six kicks at goal from different angles.
“Unfortunately, Keith won 5-3 so maybe it is just as well he is not playing against us,” Satala said.
Satala joined his Fijian colleagues only on Wednesday but will be their most potent attacking weapon on Sunday.
“We have problems in Fiji because we cannot always get the squad together for long enough periods. It makes it very difficult trying to prepare for big games,” he said.
Satala has plied his trade in France with Mont de Marsan, and more recently in England, but in 25 international games, he has scored 16 tries.
At six foot two inches and 17 stone, he is on a collision course with Brian O’Driscoll.
Coach Mac McCallion reckons Satala can break the Irish defence.
“Defensively, Ireland are exceptionally well-organised, but Bill is a man capable of cracking it,” McCallion said. Satala is typically Fijian, quietly spoken and without any airs and graces.
“I don’t think about scoring tries. I just want to contribute to the overall good of the team, to go out and play a good game of rugby to entertain.
“For many years, I have been watching televised matches on Lansdowne Road. It has always been a dream for me to play on it.
“There is something magical about watching a team like Ireland playing and beating teams like England and France. I have lots of memories because people from Fiji like the Irish people very much. Keith is my best friend in Harlequins.”
Fiji’s sights are set on a place in the World Cup quarter-finals in Australia next year.
“Our aim will be to do as well as the Fiji team in the 1987 World Cup. Hopefully, playing on hard grounds in warm weather will help us get the best from ourselves.
“I was disappointed the way the team lost to Wales last week, but we hope to do better against Ireland. We are trying to progress ... all with Australia in our minds.”
Fiji have named the strongest side possible for the Irish game and it includes Sevens legend Wailese Serevi at full-back.
McCallion said Serevi poses the greatest threat to opponents when he operates from the number 15 shirt.
Simon Raiwalui, the Newport-based second row, will be seen as another major threat to Ireland.
FIJI (v. Ireland: Sunday, 3pm): W. Serevi, F. Lasagavibau, V. Satala, S. Bai, N. Ligairi, N. Little, J. Rauluni; R. Nyholt, G. Smith (capt.), B. Cavubati, A. Naevo, S. Raiwalui, A. Mocelutu, A. Doviverata, S. Koyamaibole.
Replacements: P. Biu, I. Rasila, I. Rawaqa, S. Tawake, S. Rabaka, J. Narruhn, I. Mow.
N.B. The kick-off time for the Ireland Development XV versus Argentina, to be played at Donnybrook, Dublin, on Wednesday, is 7pm.
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