What a beauty! What a game! What a scoreline!
Following that disappointing 18-21 loss to the Australian Wallabies in Newcastle last weekend, the Flying Fijians regrouped, got their ducks in a row so to speak, and came out firing in front of 10,000 fans at the National Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Defeating Scotland 29-14 was the stuff of dreams.
The fans loved it. They lapped up the moments, enjoying the magic, and exciting atmosphere.
They came in optimistic, and provided the lung power that inspired the Flying Fijians.
In the end, it was about confidence, and belief.
The national side kept the momentum going from the Newcastle game.
They rode on the back of short quick rucks, recycled possession, retained it, chewing up the clock, and kept the go-forward momentum.
It was a joy to watch!
The national side obviously worked on their structures and fell back on a high tempo game for a good part of the match.
The late George Simpkin, our technical advisor to the 1987 World Cup would have been smiling.
He was known for his commitment to playing our game around the fringes of the rucks.
He spoke highly about our strength around the rucks.
Yesterday, national coach Mick Byrne would have been smiling as well with the commitment shown, and our confidence against the number 7 rated Scots.
Skipper and hooker Tevita Ikanivere acknowledged the support shown by the fans.
“It felt great being there on the field and hearing our families and friends turn up in numbers. It was great to come out and sit on the bench and see the Mexican wave going around. Everybody was happy, everybody was present, everyone was enjoying themselves and I think it was great for us,” he said.
Head coach Mick Byrne commended the players for their performance, which may have been fuelled by the massive audience.
It is the way to go.
In saying that, we reflect on the tour and acknowledge Scotland for making it this far, to play us right here at home.
Wouldn’t it be great to finally see the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks playing right here at home?
Their last games here were back in 1984.
To attract the best international teams, we, however, must keep proving that we are worth the trip!
We should be showing professionalism, passion, and powerful performances like the one we saw yesterday!
Go Fiji, go!
