TODAY is an important date for Fiji Rugby Union.
It celebrates the Golden Jubilee of the first Flying Fijians team that toured Wales, France and Canada.
And this column brings to you a special coverage of a group of talented players that created a piece of history for Fiji rugby, 50 years ago.
Captained by prop forward, the late Suliasi Cavu, the national 15s rugby side’s farewell service was held at the Centenary Church before departing the Nadi International Aiport on the 7th of September 1964.
Fiji’s opening game of the tour was against Bridgend Maesteg Rugby Club.
This is Fiji’s first ever game on Wales soil.
The Fijians triumphed 23-12. In this game, it was winger Suliasi Daunitutu, a retired policeman and current Komai Nailega who touched down Fiji’s first ever try on Wales turf.
Daunitutu reminisced the moment as one which he described a cherished experience, even to this day, after 50 years of scoring the first try.
“On Saturday (today) will be the 50th year after I scored that first try for Fiji on Wales soil,” he told this column.
When asked how he managed to remember the dates very well, the former Lelean Memorial School Deans winner said he took note of every event of the tour.
“It’s an occasion that I still very much can remember because I note them down on my notebook or diary during the tour.
“It helped me remember the event very well despite this age of mine,” the 82-year-old Nailega villager said.
The team boosted with players such as fullback Ratu Seru Tuisese, outside centre Petero Rasiosateki, Serua man Josateki Nasova, Aporosa Robe, George Barley, Jese Mucunabitu, Sela Toga, Joeli Naucabalavu, Aca Soqosoqo, Vereniki Nalio, Jope Naucabalavu (Snr), Severo Walisoliso and Ulaiasi Tukana. The rest of the players have passed on.
Daunitutu said he was inspired to give his best shot during the match by the talk of team manager, the late Ratu Tuivanuavou from Bau prior to the game at the Cardiff Hotel, 50kilometres away from the playing field.
He said the pre-game talk motivated him to give his best for the country.
He smilingly said that all Wales could remember of Fiji was cannibalism.
“Just when I took the first ball, nothing else came into my mind but the words of Ratu Tui. He told us to show the Welsh people that Fijians can also play competitive rugby.
“I took the ball and ran into my opposition with a face of determination showing that cannibalism is still in my blood since we are known all over the world with this inhumane trade.
“And with the words of Ratu Tui lingering at the back of my mind, I ran over my opposition to score the try.”
Daunitutu said today he was privileged to have scored Fiji’s try in Wales.
“To remember that try after 50 years is a proud moment for me especially since this year is the golden jubilee celebration for the Methodist Church of Fiji.”
Daunitutu said that its important that there should be one chief to accompany the boys during game day.
“The reason being, they always inspired us on how important our country is than ourself.
“Back then, money is not a thing to us as we were not paid to represent the country, its just the desire to fight for it compared to players playing now days.
“Me vaka nai bole nei ra belo, dui mate ga e na nona ucu ni vatu, we were always encouraged by that,” he continued.
“That is so rare this time as only the manager accompany the players.
“I pray the rugby in Fiji to rise to another level,” said Daunitutu.
Daunitutu scored two tries on debut against Samoa 29-6 at Buckhurst Park in Suva on August 30, 1963 before representing Fiji in the South Pacific Games.
Fiji lost its second game 22-23 to Monmouthshire, the side that defeated the All Blacks via a field goal.
Fiji bounced back against Western Counties 12-6, lost 22-28 to the Welsh Dragons and drew 11-all against Arbertillery New Bridge in its final game before departing for France.
Fiji played five games in France, losing four and then recorded double win in its two games against Victoria XV 13-3 and the Canadian rugby 15s side 23-5 in Canada.
The team returned on the 28th of October and was accorded with a big ceremony of thanksgiving of their successful tour.
