FIJI Water Flying Fijians utility-back player Semi Radradra says the hurt of losing to Wales helped build fire in the bellies to prove they are a better team.
The 26-32 loss in their 2023 Rugby World Cup match at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux was a heartbreaker for many Fijian fans and the players themselves.
They turned things around a week later to beat Australia 22-15 at St Etienne to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
“The loss against Wales really hurt us and we took that (pain) into the game against Australia,” Radradra said.
“(Against Australia) the boys’ effort was there right from the start.”
The former Parramatta Eels winger in the NRL, who signed on with French club Lyon after a stint with the UK-based Bristol Bears, said the players had set out to “make history” at the pinnacle event of the sport.
“We want to make history, not only myself, but as a squad,” the Somosomo villager from Taveuni said.
Radradra said the players had set a goal to go all the way to the RWC final.
“This squad is gelling very well and we want to try something different at this world cup.
“We want to make history by reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals and then the final.”
The side will face Georgia on October 1 in Bordeaux.
