FIJI’S performance in the Land of the Rising Sun was not only brilliant but captivating as our gladiators came from behind to beat Canada and secure a third finish place after a disappointing loss to the Boks.
While we may blame the weather condition or Tuwai’s injury to the semi-final loss, the fans should be content with the 3rd place. All our players did their level best against the mighty Boks. Even underdogs Canada created havoc within the Kiwi armoury relegating them to the Plate.
As Fiji heads into the last two tournaments, the series table is something worth sharing around the talanoa sessions. The intensity of the series is a testimony of how unpredictable each tournament can be. Congratulations to Vatemo Ravouvou for being named in the dream team.
However, it becomes somewhat hard to digest the fact that a team we thrashed in pool play went out to beat the favourites and win the cup final. Hats off to the Poms for an outstanding display of sheer running rugby and excellent defence!
Fiji’s pool in Glasgow has giant killers Wales and Portugal. Scotland will be hard to beat at home.
The players need to be psychologically prepared in order to avoid being carried away by emotions and focus solely on the mission of not only winning the last two tournaments but also winning the final series.
I must commend the coaching staff, technical advisers, support staff and the players for giving their hearts out and for doing Fiji proud. Let’s maintain the never say die attitude.
The various clubs such as Red Rock, Hideaway Hurricanes and Westfield Babaas, who have moulded our sevens players also need to be acknowledged. Fiji is right behind South Africa and the Kiwis are hot on our heels in the points ranking. Let this fighting spirit motivate the team to reach greater heights and laugh the loudest when the series concludes.
A big vinaka vakalevu to the sponsors, Vodafone and Shangri-La, for the financial motivation and kudos to The Fiji Times for all the updates and interviews from Japan as the nation looks forward to Glasgow, London and the 2016 Rio Olympics!
God bless Fiji rugby!
