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News from Bruce Tizard-Varcoe in England, 26 November 2010

Graham Dewes: Fiji Rugby tour to France, Wales and Italy, November 2010 - brief update

Dewes & mates
Left to right: 1st cousins Kia'a Tizard-Varcoe and Maru-Jane Fatiaki with members of the Fiji team (Sekonaia Kalou, Campese Ma'afu and Graham Dewes)
(Photo: Bruce Tizard-Varcoe)


Atrocious conditions in France
The Fiji team began the first match of their tour against France at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Saturday 13 November, where three years previously they secured a famous win over Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, with Graham Dewes scoring the decisive knock-out try. In pouring rain and atrocious conditions, a winning result was not to be this time around for Graham and the team, losing 34-12.

A poke in the eye in Wales

On to the UK and to the famous Millenium stadium in Cardiff where Fiji's next opponents were Wales. The match took place on Friday 19 November in the evening local time, with many assuming a victory for the hosts. Not so. A determined defensive effort by Fiji and an error-strewn display from Wales resulted in a 16-16 draw. Graham came on to play in the second half and early on was poked in the eye, which unfortunately for him meant that for a while he was seeing three of everything. Closing the eye for a few minutes seemed to remedy the problem and it was back to business as usual. A good result for the team with the last kick of the match securing the draw.

Last match vs Italy - go Fiji go!
The final match of the tour will see Fiji play Italy at the Stadio Alberto Braglia in the ancient town of Modena, this Saturday 27 November at 14:00, (GMT 14:00), where Fiji will aim to end on a high with a win. Go Fiji go!

For more in-depth news and updates about the tour, go to the official Fiji Rugby website: www.fijirugby.com

Photos of Graham and teammates in France (from the Fiji Rugby website)

Dewes
Dewes & Mates
2010 Europe Tour, Nantes, France - Graham Dewes tucks into a hearty meal.
2010 Europe Tour, Nantes, France - (L-R) Vesi Rarawa, technical advisor (forwards) Greg Mumm, Graham Dewes, head coach Sam Domoni (obscured), assistant coach Inoke Male and Talemaitoga Tuapati.
Scrum
Fiji trio
2010 Europe Tour, Nantes, France - The Flying Fijians forward pack ready to engage (L-R) Semisi Naevo, Deacon Manu, Talemaitoga Tuapati and Graham Dewes.
2010 Europe Tour, Nantes, France - (L-R) Props Graham Dewes, Deacon Manu and Campese Maafu.
Lineup
Challenge
2010 Europe Tour, 13 November, 6:00pm, FRANCE v FIJI, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France - Teams lined up for national anthems.
(Graham Dewes, left-hand-side)
2010 Europe Tour, 13 November, 6:00pm, FRANCE v FIJI, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France - The Cibi.
(Graham Dewes, left-hand-side)