PHEW! SCARY
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians got a scare yesterday from their opponents Samoa with a close 24-22 win.
Fijian fans were on the edge of their seats at the ANZ Stadium in Suva as the Samoans closed the gap after being down 3-17 at half time - kicking off the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) competition. The win though is significant for the Flying Fijians. They are defending both the Pacific Nations Cup and their 10th spot in the World Rugby rankings. The Flying Fijians take on Georgia this Saturday at 3.30pm at the ANZ Stadium. Georgia beat Tonga 16-15 earlier yesterday.
It was a proud moment for France- based back Sevanaia Galala after making his Test debut for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians at the Pacific Nations Cup at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, yesterday.
The Malolo, Nadi, native who plays for Brive in the French Top 14 competition formed a formidable centre partnership with Jale Vatubua to beat Samoa 24-22.
The 25-year-old told SUNsports that his dream of making it to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan is now materialising. “Rugby is the only game we play in school and in the village,” Galala said.
“Now I have joined the fifteens side, this is a perfect time to show what I have learned over the years. I was supposed to make my Test debut last year in June but unfortunately I had to undergo surgery.
“I’m thankful for the divine help which enabled me to grow as a rugby player. I want to thank the Lord for assisting me in my rugby career since I was a little boy. “This is a big stepping stone in my life.”
Galala said he needs to improve on his fitness this week. He also represented the Fijian Under-20 in 2012 and 2013 at the Junior World Championship in South Africa, and also in another tournament in France.
Galala said for young people who like to pursue a career in rugby it’s about following your heart and never stop believing in yourself.
“There are five important things for living a successful and fulfilling life. Never stop dreaming, never stop believing, never give-up, never stop trying and never stop learning,” he continued on.
“This being said, I dropped out at school at the age of 17 and worked as a cane cutter in the West for a year then I decided to return to school and continue my studies. “I went back to school, took part in the under-18 local rugby tournament in Nadi, and played for Pacific Institute of Technology previously known as New Zealand Pacific Training Centre. “This was where I was spotted by the Correze club and was recruited in 2011 by Brive, when I was 18-years-old and I never looked back,” Galala added.