Lead With Pride: Waqaniburotu Urged
Former Flying Fijians captain Ro Alifereti Doviverata has urged the current Fiji Airways Flying Fijians captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu to lead the team with pride.
“This is for all Fijians,” the 2003 RWC captain said.
Doviverata knows the challenges and the pressures that Waqaniburotu have ahead of him as the Flying Fijians move closer to their pool opener against Australia at the Sapporo Dome in Japan.
Speaking to SUNsports the 35-Test caps Doviverata emphasized the importance of the leadership role that Waqaniburotu needs to take on board during the RWC campaign in Japan.
“Lead from the front and play with pride and passion for God and country,” he said.
“It’s normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. After months and years of preparations all we want is to get out there and play. Nervous in the sense that the whole nation and the rugby world will be watching and expecting us to perform.”
Doviverata recalled how as a 19-yearold he was named in 1999 RWC squad by then coach, Brad Johnstone.
“For a 19-year old and appearing at your first World Cup in 1999 was an amazing experience but at the same time he urges the young players to learn more as the tournament goes on.
“It was a surreal experience for me. A young boy playing alongside players that I only watched on television. I made sure to learn as much from the experienced players and the coaches in the team. Those experiences helped me in my leadership role later on in my career,”
he said.
“My only goal then for the next four years was to make the 2003 Rugby World Cup squad. The captaincy role came as a surprise to me and one which I had reluctantly received. Surprise from the fact that we had experienced players in the team from the previous World Cup who could have been given the captain’s armband.”
The former Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s coach said that head coach John McKee has selected a team that can create upsets at the RWC in Japan.
“A well- balanced side with a mix of seasoned campaigners and a young energetic group.
“The coach has worked with these boys in the last four years and I’m sure he has done his player profiling and have gone through all the processes that has enabled him to select his World Cup squad. “We will have to wait and see their games to validate that statement.”