The rugby world has been put on notice — “now we know we can strike from anywhere”.
That’s the confidence FIJI Water Flying Fijians half-back Simione Kuruvoli got after kicking Fiji to victory over Australia at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in St Etienne, France yesterday.
The 22-15 victory was Fiji’s only third win over our Pacific neighbours, the first after 1954, 69 years to be precise.
And 14 of those precious points on gameday from the boots of Kuruvoli, someone who surprised many with his accurate right foot.
“This win has given us confidence because now we know we can strike from anywhere,” the 24-year-old from Kadavu said.
“This win is for the people back home for their support and prayers. Thank you for always being there for us.”
He said words of encouragement from home “not to get nervous” guided him through his kicking run-up, that coupled with the endless hours of practise with the kicking coaches before and after training.
He said for now, they will take time to reset and refocus before facing Georgia at the Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux on October 1.
