Flying Fijians finally show up

THE Flying Fijians have finally showed up at the Rugby World Cup 2019! It took them approximately 200 minutes for them to show their Japanese hosts, Fiji, Fijians worldwide and all Fijian rugby fans the potential, we already knew they had when they were first chosen to represent Fiji.

Against a strong Georgian team, their game was not perfect by any means, but it arose in all Flying Fijian fans a new enthusiasm that the Uruguayan loss had all but extinguished. We might not reach the second round of the Rugby World Cup, but we were shown just a glimpse of Flying Fijians rugby at almost its best.

We will take the win and thank the team for it. However, this Georgian win was mostly for the whole Flying Fijians team and management. It enables each player to reflect on the talent each of them possess as a Fijian.

The spontaneity of letting loose a rugby ball with the whole team flying around the field supporting each other and never letting the game or ball drop. The joy seen on the players faces after all their tries was one of disbelief — was it really that easy? And for the management, their timely substitutions only further enhanced an already great team.

The Flying Fijians displayed potential in their first game against the Maori All Blacks in Fiji. That same promise was again displayed against Georgia. With that knowledge and with the resolution shown by the Japanese against the Irish, our Flying Fijians have been given a glimpse of how any team can create their own luck.

For 40 minutes only on Thursday afternoon, the Flying Fijian rugby players displayed just a percentage of what they are capable of, if their belief and commitment as one team was on show. Imagine, if that staunchness is displayed for a full 80 minutes! We only have one pool game left, and we the fans can only hope for a complete game of rugby from our Flying Fijians.

With the Georgian game a blueprint for the Welsh, our Flying Fijians are on the cusp of showing the world complete running rugby at its absolute best!

Toso Viti!

EPELI RABUA

Ragg Ave, Tamavua, Suva