THE Fiji Bati planned to open the throttle when they faced England in their second 1995 Rugby League World Cup pool match.
These were the sentiments of the team manager Epeli Lagiloa who said there would be plenty room to run at the Wigan Stadium in Manchester, England.
His side were still rolling on a wave of success earned after their 52-5 thrashing of South Africa a few days earlier.
“The backs didn’t have much to run at Keighley, this time they will have room,” he told The Fiji Times.
He was also surprised at the Bati’s non-injury report, a clean bill of health for a side already firing salvos from the get-go.
“The Africans, Australians and English suffered injuries but we don’t have a single casualty.
“I think it’s mind over matter more than fitness.”
Far from their island home and the families and loved ones they held dear, the distance was brought closer with messages and tributes of support flowing into the Bati camp.
The Fiji Times reported congratulatory calls and messages had been made by rugby stars such as Kaiava Bose, Naidole and Orisi Dawai’s wife and other Fijians living or studying in England.
Lagiloa acknowledged this as the messages warmed off the cold weather they were acclimatising in.
“We feel at home although it is a bit cold, but the support has had a motivating influence for the players.
“Everyone is on a roll at the moment.”
“Anticipation of another good game is in our minds, but we can’t say that we will have a repeat performance against England.
“They are number two in the wordl and we respect them, but we’re going to treat them as just another team.
“If we can beat South Africa, we can do the same to England, but are not boasting that we will beat them.
“We are going in as the underdogs,” he added.
“The English are a good side, who have made six changes to the side which beat Australia.
He said Fiji had players who could play in different positions.
“We have the Penrith combination of Noa Nayacakalou and Livai Nalagilagi and the sevens combination of Noa Nadruku, Filimone Seru and Ili Toga.
“The other players can fit into any position and that has made our selection task easier.”
Lagiloa said tickets to the game, which were selling at $20 had sold out.
The Fiji Bati named their squad on Wednesday, October 11, 1995.
They faced England, who thrashed them 46-0.
England gave no chances to Fiji to capitalise on any blunders and fought hard to seat their island opponents down.
Two tries were scored by Jack Robinson, and a try each by Kristian Radlinski, Jonh Bentley, Paul Broadbent, Simon Haughton, Antony Smith and Paul Newlove with goals made by Andrew Farrell and Robert Goulding.
There were 26,263 people who witnessed the thrashing at the Wigan Stadium that day and millions more who tuned in from Fiji and around the world.
Dennis Hale of New Zealand officiated the match as referee.
