Football lovers had just farewelled star striker Taito Bula, and we were shocked with the news of the untimely passing of former Fiji captain Mosese Taga who passed away on February 2 at the age of 57.
Taga had an industrious career as a member of the Flying Fijians outfit.
Taga made his debut with the Flying Fijians during the 1987 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, during the match against the All Blacks.
He played alongside the likes of Rusiate Namoro, Salacieli Naivilawasa, Epeli Rakai, Sairusi Naituku, Peni Volavola, Aisake Nadolo, Ilaitia Savai, Jioji Cama, Manasa Qoro, Samuela Vunivalu, Livai Kididromo, Koli Rakoroi, Apisai Nagata, John Sanday, Peceli Gale, Pauliasi Tabulutu, Paulo Nawalu, Elia Rokowailoa, Sirilo Lovokuro, Epineri Naituku, Tom Mitchell, Kaiava Salusalu, Serupepeli Tuvula, Tomasi Cama, Kavekini Nalaga, Jimi Damu, Severo Koroduadua and Jone Kubu.
Coached by Josateki Savou and George Simpkin, the Flying Fijians made their first ever quarter-final after defeating Argentina 28-9. Our boys, however, lost to the All Blacks 74-13 and Italy 18-15.
In the quarter-final at Eden Park, Fiji lost to France 31-16.
The Les Bleus lost to the All Blacks in the final 29-9.
Taga was also part of the 1991 Rugby World Cup roster, where he was the captain.
The side was coached by Samisoni Viriviri and George Simpkin, and boasted the likes of Dranivesi Baleiwai, Salacieli Naivilawasa, Epeli Naituivau, Peni Volavola, Naibuka Vuli, Sam Domoni, Ilaitia Savai, Aisake Nadolo, Alifereti Dere, Laisenia Katonawale, Max Olsson, Tomasi Lovo, Pita Naruma, Ifereimi Tawake, Pauliasi Tabulutu, Mosese Vosanibola, Waisale Serevi, Filimoni Seru, Tomasi Rabaka, Kalaveti Naisoro, Savenaca Aria, Noa Nadruku, Tevita Vonolagi, Severo Koroduadua and Opeti Turuva.
The side lost all their pool games, going down to Canada 13-3, France 33-9 and Romania 17-15.
Taga continued to play for Suva and the Flying Fijians.
His last international cap was against Australia at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney in 1998.
The hosts thrashed Fiji 66–20. Taga’s daughter, Laisa Taga, plays for the Fiji women’s national rugby union team as flanker.
Taga was a robust player and he did most of his talking on the playing field.
His work rate and discipline made him stand out.
He led by example on the field and put up spectacular performances when donning the national jumper.
He will surely be missed in rugby circles
. My heartfelt condolences to the family!
May his soul rest in peace!
