Former Fiji 7s rep Etuate ‘Honda’ Gusuivalu has called on Fijian rugby reps to read the game as they play.
The former Fiji secondary schools 100 metres sprinter and retired policeman represented Fiji in the Hong Kong 7s from 1984 to 1987.
Gusuivalu, 62, dubbed as ‘Honda’ in the 1980s for his speed was one of Fiji’s best finishers. Unlike robust wingers such as Josua Tuisova, Eroni Sau or Nemani Nadolo to name a few, Gusuivalu was given the name Honda for his blistering speed.
“I don’t really watch the games on television because it would only hurt my feelings to see the opportunities for scoring and winning before which were not utilised,” he said.
“It’s painful to see those chances being wasted because simple mistakes.”
The speedster said Fiji 7s team winger Alasio Naduva was the best wing at the moment, but he needed to read the game.
“With Naduva’s speed, he can do anything from anywhere on the field but he needs to adapt and study the game pattern.
“It’s common these days to see the games on a one way traffic, but if you look back in the 1980s there were decoy runners creating panic on the oppositions.
“Another weakness that I’ve seen is defence. Playing on an international standard, Fiji is known to be aggressive on defence and if we show that in the first two tackles of every match, we can beat them mentally and physically to win the game.”
Honda was a member of the Fiji 7s team in 1984 that won the Hong Kong 7s tournament and defeated the first New Zealand All Blacks 7s team in the final.
Members of the 1984 Fiji 7s team to Hong Kong were Acura Niuqila, Keleto Loboilagi, Peni Rauluni, Paulo Nawalu, Etuate Gusuivalu, Senivalati Laulau (late), Sela Gutugutuwai, Aleposo Waqailiti (late) and Dominiko Manaseitava.
Ian Duncan was the coach and player.
