‘Play as a team’

Boys need to work hard to beat ABs – Veitayaki

FORMER Flying Fijians captain and prop Joeli Veitayaki says the players will need to work hard if they want to take down the All Blacks.

“First they should take this opportunity and play as are team I know it will be hard but we been in this situation before,” he said.

“We just going to believe in each other, work hard, play smart for the whole 80 minutes.

“We should work hard on our set piece, like scrums and lineouts and contest every ruck and maul. We just need to play smart.

“We’ve got the back line that can match any team in the world but we need to give them a good platform to do there tricks.”

Veitayaki who had played for Fiji in the 1999 World Cup in France added that the All Blacks team is the best team in the world.

“All Blacks are the best team in the world but we have to face them up front. Shut down and slow down all the positions they get.

“We can’t afford to give away silly penalties which will result in yellow cards. We need to play smart and disciplined.”

To top up his support for the team, his son Haereiti Hetet is also part of the national team. He also plays prop and resides in New Zealand.

He added that while talking to his son last week, the advice that he gave him was to have faith in him.

“I told him this is his moment, just have to knuckle down and work hard. This must be the hardest game he will come across but through hard you will be ok.

“This is not another game, this is a test match, you not only playing for yourself but you are representing your family and your people and country.

“You have to give everything you got for that white jersey. I know he’s looking forward to it if given the opportunity so go out there and make your family and country proud.

“I know all his family in Otorohanga and Otorohanga RFC will be supporting him all the way.”

Since the Flying Fijians will be playing their first game together he believes that they will put in a good fight.

“They have to play as a team and represent that jersey with pride.

“To play for our people back home for what they going through at the moment. If there is any motivation to fire this team up, for our people back home.

“Noqu kalou noqu, vanua.

“I wish this young team the very best. We will be here cheering for you, remember trust the Lord Almighty he will guide you through this.

“For Fiji ever Fiji, may God bless our people back home.”