Bridging the rugby divide
How far have we progressed
THIS is another history making week for us in the world of rugby as the flying Fijians will be taking part in a two Test series against the All Blacks. The whole world is well aware how dear we hold rugby to our hearts.
Rugby unites us regardless of our backgrounds and beliefs.
However, our rugby history reminds us, the Test matches against the All Blacks have not gone so well with generally lopsided affairs resulting in David and Goliath battles.
How have we performed?
As the table depicts, our matches with All Blacks have a long history and dates back to the year 1968.
Looking at the statistics creates a mixed bag of emotions with early years of good performance and then declining in the later years.
Similarly, the point’s differential has been very significant and perhaps formed the bottom line for the All Blacks refusal to have Test matches with us.
Fiji has never beaten the All Blacks in the history of the game, the closest they have come is in 1987 where they just lost by one point. I am sure those who are alive now and were present in that era must be reminiscing those glory days.
The past is good for nostalgia. Subsequently, the cumulative history of failures against the All Blacks since 1968 presents crop of players with the huge challenge to do the best and rewrite the history books.
Quite interestingly since that fateful night in Dunedin in 2011 we have made significant progress, but is this progress enough to match the All Blacks?
Current State of affairs
Recently, Tonga’s demolition at the hands of All Blacks have sparked fierce debates among rugby followers, that the understrength Tier Two Pacific nations are an absolute mismatch for the All Blacks and suggestions that the matches like this is a blight on international rugby.
Ironically what was worth noting is the comments from the All Blacks coach, Ian Foster, who hoped that the storyline would not be around how much of a gap there was between the two teams (FT, July 5, 2021). So by asserting this, what was he insinuating.
Challenges
Tonga’s bad outing with the three digit loss, and where they were not able to cross the All Blacks line once, and even no penalties is a stark reminder that the mighty All Blacks will be merciless and inflict huge pain if we do not have strategies to counter them.
Although, we have grown immensely in the game, our Achilles heel has been our forward play. The backline could match any team in the world, but the forwards lay the platform so the game is won through team work.
Expectantly, our current world-class coaching staffs have been working hard to correct this.
Not only this, the challenges have been huge which is exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic that is: not able to assemble the full squad for the Test matches due to COVID-19; quarantine requirements makes it impossible for the players to make it on time because of club commitment; inability to train together; and the emotional and mental challenges the players have to go through because of the scenario in the country.
Our recent years of growth and some success, especially with Tier One nations, could be reversed if we do not play well and this may also affect our world ranking, and with ever improving Japan in the fold we may further drift away from not having enough Test matches with Tier One teams in future.
There have already been plans to include Japan after the departure of South Africa. Essentially, ranking is critical when it comes to getting Test matches with Tier One nations.
Equity in sports
Is the All Blacks, the most successful rugby union, doing enough to bridge the gap? It is understandable that they do have a busy international schedule, impacts on their revenue and finding difficulty in fitting in the Tier Two nations.
But ten years is a lot of time and at least if not yearly then every two to three years could be an option where they could have included us as part of the sports equity program. What about a Pacific Team made up of Fiji, Samoan and Tongan players?
We are bereft of having matches with Tier One nations and this is exposed during the world cups. It’s all about inclusivity in sports. It took almost a decade and COVID-19 to secure a Test with the All Blacks.
Was this possible just because of COVID-19 restrictions as the All Blacks could not find an evenly matched opposition from Tier One nations?
Or is it, seriously, that the All Blacks have realised that we no longer are minnows, but a formidable competitor in the game.
Sadly, this Tier One and Tier Two names given to teams is holding us back in getting regular international Test matches. We want to establish ourselves as a rugby union nation and change this narrative.
Moreover, the eligibility rules has done no favours to the Pacific teams where players of Pacifika heritage, who have already played for Tier One teams, do not qualify to play for another country.
According to the current World Rugby eligibility laws, the Pacifika players would have to stop playing Test rugby for three years and then play sevens for their Pacific team in the Olympics or Olympic qualifiers to be eligible to represent the country at Test level.
Isn’t this absurd and oppressive?
These rules need to be changed and the timeframe reduced so that these players of Pacific heritage are eligible to play for another country.
While some have argued that this changes would be like a double edged sword - as relaxing these rules would mean superstars such as Semi Radradra could play for Tier One nations for a larger pay packet - this law could be reformed to include players who could get a chance to play for their country either through birth or lineage.
For the greater good of the game and to help all nations grow, our more developed rugby neighbours need to be generous in using their persuasion power to influence World Rugby in creating a more level playing field.
Comforting prospect
As we build up to the two Test matches, there is a more compelling question of how far have we progressed?
Judging from the last time we played All Blacks, we have made good strides by beating France, a Tier One nation in their own backyard, and the incredible overall performance in the two most recent world cups with the limited resources we have.
After years of strong lobbying, the silver lining seems to be emerging, as finally things have come to fruition, noting that the Fijian Drua team will be part of the Super Rugby 2022 season.
Obviously, the New Zealand Rugby Union has realised what we could bring to this competition.
Indeed, this is the step in the right direction for us if we want to be serious contenders and lay our hands on Webb Ellis Cup one day.
Perhaps, this may be the prelude for better things to come, which could institute talks of inclusion in the rugby championship. Additionally, Nikes sponsorship has come at no better time as this provides the much needed impetus.
The future
We are not just playing to add to our Test caps of having played a Tier One nation, but playing with lot of passion and pride in giving the All Blacks a good run for their money.
We are clear outsiders and have to bring in the “A” game to have any chance of winning.
It will be a wonderful opportunity to rub the shoulders with some of the best in the business, rugby icons, and who for sure will be leaving an indelible mark in the world of rugby in the future.
Although the Test matches may not reveal our true potentials because of the circumstances under which we had to prepare for this, it will be a great Test of the gains we have made in the past years and at least provide some form of realty check of which path to take.