Semi Radradra’s father has taken the extraordinary step of asking Fijian rugby fans for forgiveness after his son dropped the ball with the line wide open during their World Cup opener against Wales.
Warren Gatland’s men escaped with a 32-26 victory but former NRL star Radradra had the chance to seal victory at the death – but went wide with no defender in sight.
It prompted his father to apologize on social media.
“I humbly ask if the people of Fiji can forgive my son,” Samisoni Waqavatu wrote online.
‘It has been difficult for us as a family to accept what has happened because we know we have let people down.
Semi Radrarda’s father has asked Fijian rugby fans for forgiveness after his son dropped the ball with the line wide open during their World Cup opener against Wales
The winger has a chance to make amends when Fiji takes on Australia on Monday (1.45am AEST).
Semi Radradra had an astonishing strike rate in the NRL with the Eels, scoring 82 tries in 94 games
“Once again I ask that you forgive us… we are truly sorry.”
The 31-year-old Radradra, who was a try-scoring sensation while playing in the NRL with the Parramatta Eels between 2013 and 2017, has been named on the wing in Fiji’s must-win match against the Wallabies in Saint-Etienne on Monday (1.45 hours, AEST). ).
He has also come a long way since earning $2 an hour digging for gold in his home country.
Wallabies assistant Jason Ryles said stopping Radradra would be key to Australia’s hopes of back-to-back wins after beating Georgia in their first pool match.
Barring any major setbacks, a win over Fiji would see the Wallabies and Wales secure the two play-off spots.
“Semi is one of those guys that pushes the envelope and they like to play after him… and in open space they look for him,” Ryles said.
“He has a huge influence on their team and is one of the guys we definitely need to make sure we do a good job with.”
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