Playing the All Blacks

identity shown in their matches.

There is no leader in the team who has the ability to dictate the tempo of matches.

Our golden generation existed when Ben Ryan was in charge, and players like Osea Kolinisau, Semi Kunatani, Apisai Domolailai, and so many others were at the forefront. It was free-flowing, exciting rugby, with plenty of off-loads and link-up plays. Now we play to the foreign tune of passing endto-end, which in some ways is discipline, but not the way Fijians are accustomed to playing.

Discipline for Fijians means letting them express their style of play. One will never see little kids play slow-paced rugby. Instead, they anticipate flair and a different dimension of the sport, which is not seen in other teams competing in the series.

Ben Ryan and Gareth Baber were successful British coaches for us because they had the ability to connect with players and their lifestyle. They stayed in villages during camps and understood why Fijian rugby is the way it is.

Ben Gollings has to do the same if he is to find success with the squad. He has to let go of the ego he has carried from his playing days. While I respect his status

WE are all ecstatic that our Flying Fijians will play the mighty All Blacks in July this year. However, the timing and the fact that it coincides a week from the opening of the Paris Olympics is the dilemma beholding many fans.

Our top 15s players who are been scouted to help defend the gold medal in Paris will miss out if they opt for the test game. Was the timing of this game done to coincide with the Olympic Games?

NZ All Blacks will not be affected as they have a policy of not mixing players in sevens and fifteens but Fiji will be.

The game could have been shifted later in the year who knows. I may be completed wrong in my