THE FIJI Water Flying Fijians will carry more than just national pride when they run out against Wales in their opening Rugby Nations Championship clash on Sunday.
For former Flying Fijians flyhalf and inside centre Seremaia Bai, the tournament represents something far greater — the reward of years of hard work by generations of players who helped build Fiji’s standing in world rugby.
Bai knows exactly what it means to face Wales on the big stage.
He was part of the historic Fiji side that stunned Wales 38-34 at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Nantes, a victory that sent Fiji into the quarterfinals for the first time since 1987 and remains one of the nation’s greatest rugby moments. Now, with Fiji preparing for another showdown against the Welsh, Bai believes the significance of this new competition reflects how far the team has come.
“It’s an incredible time to be a player representing Fiji,” Bai said.
“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to play against the best.”
For Bai, Fiji’s inclusion in the Rugby Nations Championship is not just about opportunity, it is recognition.
Recognition of the sacrifices made by players before them and proof that Fiji now belongs in the conversation with rugby’s elite nations.
“Past and present players have contributed to Fiji performing consistently and earning the right to play Tier One nations,” he said.
“It’s amazing how far we have come as a nation.”
Bai believes one key factor could again play a major role against Wales — the Fijian supporters.
He recalled the electric atmosphere in Nantes in 2007, when thousands of Fijians travelled from across Europe to rally behind the team.
“The noise was incredible. The excitement and adrenaline started kicking in.”
With Saturday’s clash marked as Fiji’s home game, another strong Fijian presence is expected in Cardiff.
And if history has shown anything, Bai says, it is that when Fiji has its people behind it, anything is possible.
“For the Flying Fijians, this is more than a Test match. It is another chance to build on a legacy,” he said.
Fiji will take on Wales this Sunday at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff at 1.10am .
