FORMER national rep Sairusi Naituku believes the match officials will play a key part in Fiji’s Rugby World Cup campaign especially in the first game against England this morning.
Naituku who was a member of the national team that reached the 1987 Rugby World Cup quarter-final said Fiji had the material and the class to upset England but the Fijians needed to score clear tries to avoid disappointments.
He claimed Fiji’s downfall in some previous international Tests was through some of the controversial decisions made by match officials during game day.
“In 1989 we nearly upset England in Twickenham unfortunately the referee’s decision cost us the game,” he said.
“We pushed the England scrums backward and we scored the first try, unfortunately our midfield pairs Noa Nadruku and Tevita Vonolagi were sent off later in the game.
“This was the turning point during the game — we eventually lost the game 58-23 but we believed we were not treated fairly by the match officials. And this is something I want to emphasise to our boys against England — to be mindful of this area.”
Naituku said England would have the home ground advantage but the Fijians were capable of causing the biggest upset of the world cup.
The former Suva prop said Fiji’s 1999 RWC was also marred by poor match officiating.
“It was a referee’s blunder that cost Fiji a try against France — this after Fiji flanker Setareki Tawake had scored a try.”
Naituku said the Akapusi Qera-led national team had shown a huge improvement in their forward play and this was a positive sign.
“Our forwards have improved compared to the past few years and I believe the side has a good chance,” he said.
“We should cut down on our mistakes and take England head-on.
“England will be desperate to win on their home turf and our boys have nothing to lose.
“They just need to stick to the principle of rugby and enjoy the game,” he added.
The game kicks off at 7am Fiji time and will be broadcast live on Fiji TV and FBC TV.
