By Peter Ryan
It has been a grim season for Welsh rugby this year.
From poor performances on the international stage to financial problems behind the scenes, fans haven’t had much to hang their hats on.
However, the URC playoffs are rapidly approaching, and the race for the top eight is truly on. Cardiff and Scarlets will have their eyes firmly on the post-season going into the final weekend of regular season action.
Scarlets are coming off a fantastic win against the Emirates Lions. Many players shone in sun-soaked Johannesburg; one of those competitors is Vaea Fifita.
Since arriving in West Wales in 2022, Fifita has brought flair, experience, and a commanding presence, proving to be a key figure in the Scarlets’ ranks.
For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.
Vaea Fifita
Few players light up Parc y Scarlets quite like Fifita; he’s the kind of box-office talent who gets fans rising from their seats.
Whether it’s his flashy offloads or taking full stride and leaving defenders in his wake, Fifita is an exceptional talent.
Tongan-born Fifita has had a phenomenal career filled with a range of experiences gained over fruitful years in the game.
The first stint of his career was spent at Wellington, where he debuted in the ITM Cup in 2013. The 32-year-old made several appearances for the club and scored many points.
2016 marked his arrival at the Hurricanes, where he was part of a title-winning team. In 2017, Fifita put in a towering performance against the British and Irish Lions, proving he was built for the big stage.
This ability was long evident during his time with the Hurricanes. Four years after taking on the Lions, he moved to the UK. The Super Rugby winner had a brief stint with London Wasps before the club went under.
Scarlets picked him up in 2022, and the relationship has been fruitful for both parties.
At Scarlets, Fifita has proven indispensable, delivering when it matters most: none more so than with his match-winning try against Brive in the 2023 Challenge Cup knockout stages.
His excellence was rightly acknowledged with a place in the URC Elite XV for the 2022–23 season.
Vaea Fifita is not just a dynamic player at club level but also a seasoned performer on the international stage. He has represented New Zealand and Tonga, showcasing his leadership and experience.
His first cap for Tonga came in 2022 in a match against Spain, and his performances this season for Llanelli have been a testament to his impact and influence.
Fifita this season
A player whose game is shaped by dynamic playmaking and the athleticism that turns moments into highlights.
He has been a consistent presence throughout the season, week in and week out.
The Scarlet forward has been involved in 12 URC games this year, starting ten. Fifita has scored three tries, but that highlights only a small part of his contribution.
In the URC, he’s racked up 327 metres from 83 carries, adding eight offloads and clean breaks to his name.
On the defensive side, the former Hurricane has made 103 tackles, maintaining a solid 75% success rate.
It’s easy to get swept up in his exciting offloads and one-handed carries, but his work with set-pieces is critical.
He makes a significant impact at line-outs, stealing the opposition’s ball five times and keeping Scarlets’ ball steady.
The Scarlets have markedly improved this year, and Fifita will want to help his side get to the playoffs.
The Scarlets this season
It has been a solid year for the Scarlets; after years of being towards the bottom of the table, they can fight for the playoffs.
The Scarlets opened their account this season with a draw away at Benetton. That performance may make fans think they are looking at an improved team.
Big wins over Cardiff, the Ospreys, and the Vodacom Bulls showed the Scarlets were back to playing with purpose and power.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, as the Scarlets have let games slip through their fingers.
The game against Ulster and the first West Wales derby against the Ospreys come to mind. A lack of game management has cost them on occasion.
The Scarlets have not only been an attacking force this season, scoring 424 points and 50 tries, but also a defensive powerhouse.
With 2,918 tackles at an 80% success rate and 124 turnovers, they have shown resilience and determination that should make every fan proud. This defensive grit has been a key part of their success this season.
Recruitment
Recruitment was on point in the off-season, bringing talent and experience into the set-up.
Blair Murray brought backline flair, Ellis Mee calm in the back three, and Marnus van der Merwe grit through the middle.
Alec Hepburn, Archer Holz, and Gabe Hawley added muscle up front, while Max Douglas brought a towering presence.
Together, they breathed new life into the Scarlets. Murray and Mee have broken into the Welsh rugby scene, making a difference for the Scarlets and Wales.
Van der Merwe has been the side’s heartbeat, consistently putting in phenomenal performances week in and week out.
With the season closing, the Scarlets aim to finish strong, riding the momentum sparked by their statement win over the Emirates Lions.
A playoff appearance would be a triumph for the Scarlets and a fitting reward in the ever-growing legacy of Fifita’s remarkable career.
READ MORE: Filo Tiatia – It’s a struggle to be so far away from my family
You must be logged in to post a comment Login