Yes, we lost, so what? Let’s keep the faith

It was not easy playing a Japanese side dominated by Super Rugby players who have been playing together for quite some time

The gremlins are at it again on social media attacking the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach and players for the 34-21 drubbing they received from Japan on Saturday night.

Mind you, these were the very same people who not long ago were praising our team and speaking highly of our Rugby World Cup chances in September. But when things don’t go our way, they tend to change their colour and make personal attacks on the team.

It’s sad, but all those “empty vessels make the most noise” sort of rumblings should not in any way distract head coach John McKee, captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu and the players from focusing on the big picture, which is the World Cup in Japan later this year.

Of course, the bounce of the ball did not go our way at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium.

It was not easy playing a Japanese side dominated by Super Rugby players who have been playing together for quite some time.

Most of the Japan players play for Sunwolves in the Super Rugby competition and this year they beat the Waikato Chiefs, NSW Waratahs and a few other sides.

These players had been guided by Jamie Joseph, a Super Rugby winning coach and former All Black.

It was no easy game for our Flying Fijians, especially when most of them were playing together for the first time.

But they did give their best to fight back and try to pull the game out of the fire.

Things would have been different if they had not blown away those try-scoring opportunities, where they virtually lost the ball on the tryline.

Overall, it was a learning curve for the Flying Fijians on the things they need to work on before the World Cup.

One such area is fitness.

It is understood that strength and conditioning coach John Pryor has been given the directive to whip a few players into shape.

Even a few members of the Flying Fijians who played at the 2007 Rugby World Cup have suggested on Facebook for the team to spend time training at the Kulukulu sand dunes and Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

But this Saturday, in another Pacific Nations Cup encounter, they face Canada at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.

Already McKee has indicated that it is likely that centre Semi Radradra and Vereniki Goneva, who can play as a centre or wing, are going to play.

Also we should not count out veteran halfback turned winger Nikola Matawalu, Eroni Sau and Clermont fullback Setareki Tuicuvu, who could make their appearance as well.

Let’s not give up on our Flying Fijians, but let’s be there at the ANZ Stadium to cheer them on.