Inspiring stuff
THE win against Georgia brought so many smiles and so much relief.
It was high-five everywhere as the Flying Fijians unleashed their deadly weapon and slaughtered The Lelos seven tries to one.
The first half was close (7-3) but I believe the pep talk ignited the stamina and the engine rolled over.
Yesterday’s The Fiji Times editorial comment read, “Against the formidable The Lelos scrum, we held our own. It was inspiring stuff. There was no doubt about the fact that the victory was achieved with a strong effort in the scrums”.
McKee shared similar sentiments — “The scrum doesn’t just happen in a week or a month. We’ve been working on it for a long time. That work has gone in over four or five years and it has got us to where we are today, where our scrum can match anyone in the world.
That’s a real credit to the players for the work they’re doing and our scrum coach Alan Muir.
The Uruguay defeat hurt us. Today they just wanted to express themselves as players and it’s really pleasing that we managed to do that.”
Thus, it’s good to note that the boys have bounced back!
Heading to the clash Fiji and Georgia had a contrast in style Fiji’s flair and an all out attack versus Georgia’s grit and set piece solidity.
Both teams had to deal with a contrast in weather at Osaka’s picturesque Hanazono Stadium, with rain and sunshine sporadically swapping positions and as it transpired the opposition scrum was not able to dominate in the manner it is renowned for.
Fiji ran in seven tries and could have had more but handling errors let us down.
The thrashing of Georgia meant that the Uruguay defeat was even harder to comprehend.
Wales will have to be on their mettle to contain the islanders in our last pool match.
Finally, hats off to the manof-the-match ‘The Trailer’, who became the first player at the RWC to produce three try assists in a single match and scored two tries.
Radradra also found space to get his hands free to off-load.
Furthermore, the Flying Fijians were a huge talent and joy to watch and I pity that we did not have this squad against the Los Teros as we would have easily torn them apart and bagged the bonus point win.
One bad decision by McKee has cost us a place in the quarters.
Finally, apart from Semi, Kunatani, Yato, Waqa, Ma’afu, Sam, Saulo, Lomani, Ben, Botia, Wise, Kini and Tuisova played their hearts out but I’m expecting more from Nakarawa and Cavubati.
Nakarawa, in particular, has been the shadow of the player that we know him to be.
Thank you for the win against Georgia, boys as the clash against Wales in the decider will produce fireworks and if we can beat Wales we will set alight the land of the rising sun!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu