Consistency please

IT isn't often that we get to talk about a defeat in glowing terms. But that’s just how the Test against the New Zealand All Blacks will be discussed from now until the second game this weekend.

The Flying Fijians came off with a powerful statement on Saturday evening in Dunedin.

It wasn’t so much the 23-57 defeat, but the manner in which we played that will inch out much discussion. It’ll be the focus of attention over the next few days. In the face of that defeat, there were still many players who deserved high accolades.

With our set pieces putting the All Blacks under pressure, there had to be some control in the breakdowns, and the battle for turnovers was crucial.

This isn’t an area the All Blacks would give up easily any other day.

You’d have to fall back on the long list of backrowers, the likes of Richie McCaw, who have donned the black jersey to understand the value the side placed on this area.

As international rugby sides evenly contested the set pieces, the focus on the breakdowns and the contact area took on a whole new meaning. It meant being able to maintain pressure over longer periods.

On Saturday night, our backrowers came off with a blinder, dominating the breakdowns. It was a very powerful statement. It was a positive reflection of the state of our game.

Blindside flanker Johnny Dyer, openside flanker Mesulame Kunavula and number eight Albert Tuisue were on fire. Our midfield backs of Waisea Nayacalevu and skipper Levani Botia added emphasis to our commitment to controlling the breakdowns.

In the end, the result mattered though, and the All Blacks came off deserving winners.

National coach Vern Cotter now has his work cut out looking ahead to this weekend’s second Test. Surely, he has some aces up his sleeve.

By now, All Blacks coach Ian Foster would have picked up areas to work on.

That will mean emphasis on controlling the breakdowns better.

It will mean working on sustaining pressure longer, and drawing on their effort in the last quarter of Saturday night’s Test, disrupting our set pieces, and figuring out a way to disrupt our very strong and aggressive defensive shape.

But there is no doubt about the fact that our team has a lot to play for.

They proved that despite a very poor preparation time, having trained only twice as a full squad, they were in Dunedin to play rugby. The response from the fans at the end of the test was a powerful reminder for us all of where the heart and spirit of the Flying Fijians sit. Fijian fans came off with an overwhelming show of support on the night. Our skipper Botia, our strongman, a beast in the French top competition, was overcome by emotions.

There was passion in our game! They played with purpose. They carried the hopes and aspirations of a nation ravaged by COVID-19. They knew they could bring some hope and give Fijians something to cheer for. What a beauty! What a Test!

We now look forward to a stronger, and exciting second Test in Hamilton. Consistency please. Go Fiji, go.