Flying Fijians coach Simon Raiwalui is in a positive mood. He appeared that way yesterday after he named our team for the Rugby World Cup in France.
The Flying Fijians, he said, have achieved set goals so far.
Our preparation for the RWC, he believes, is on track. He made the comments in the wake of the announcement of our 33-member squad.
Reflecting on our wins over Tonga at Churchill Park in Lautoka in round one of the Pacific Nations Cup competition, winning over Manu Samoa in Apia and last weekend’s win over Japan in Tokyo, Raiwalui said the build-up was amazing, and the team understood the challenges before them.
Raiwalui has named 18 forwards and 13 backs in our RWC squad. Notable omissions were; Ben Volavola, Joseva Tamani, Seta Tamanivalu and Vilimoni Botitu.
As the focus shifts to the Test matches against France and England, we reflect on the squad. Raiwalui has pulled in experience, physicality and versatility in our frontrow.
There is a lot of grunt upfront. We have skills, pace and hard men in the secondrow.
The backrow has size, pace and physicality. It is encouraging to see young Vilive Miramira named as an openside flanker.
He is named in a position that has been made famous by a list of quality loosemen the likes of Manasa Qoro, Nemani Matirewa, Alivereti Dere, and Sela Gutugutuwai to name a few.
It is good to see young Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata, and Levani Botia in the backrow as well.
Our halves, both at halfback and flyhalf, has Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz and Teti Tela.
They will dictate most of our plays and we expect them to perform under great pressure and a lot of attention from opposing backrowers.
We have a powerful midfield with the likes of Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, and Semi Radradra.
There is pace on the flanks and the crucial fullback position with the likes of Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala and Ilaisa Droasese.
There will be sceptics. There will be fans calling out names. Not everyone can make it. This is it! Our team has been named.
They need our support to perform to the highest standards. They need to feel reassured and have the confidence to display feats of magic at the RWC.
They carry the hopes and aspirations of an expectant and a very proud nation. We were moved by the Drua. We saw how the dynamics changed over two seasons. We saw how it brought us together as a country.
The Flying Fijians have a huge responsibility. They could determine the mood of the nation during the RWC. Congratulations are in order for every member of the squad. We also reflect on those who weren’t able to make it into the team.
They too were part of the preparation of our team. We say go Fiji, go. Bring it on!
