Tough battle
Fiji vs Wales
WHATEVER is the result between Fiji and Wales does not make any difference at all. The most important thing is the quarter-finals, which seems impossible now. The game against Uruguay is now water under the bridge.
A big blunder by the coach led the former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick to say that Fiji was disrespectful to Uruguay from the way they approached this game in terms of preparation, turnovers, missed tackles and no sense of urgency. Michael Lynagh stated that the downfall was because Fiji was waiting for someone else to do the job.
It’s a learning curve for us, but the problem is, when the learning is going to stop. My friend gave me a word of comfort by saying “another world cup is coming up soon in four years’ time”.
My support for the team, do your best, smother and choke the Welsh as if it’s the end of the world as the final whistle blows.
USAIA TAGI
Delainavesi
Tough Dragons clash
THE final pool match for the Flying Fijians against Wales at the Oita Stadium is bound to bring the nation to a standstill.
Wales and Fiji have played each other since 1985 as Wales won the inaugural game (40-3).
Wales has won majority of the games, winning nine out of the eleven matches played.
Fiji has won once (2007 RWC 38-34), with one draw in 2010 at the Millennium Stadium (16-16). Since then Fiji has played the Dragons twice at the RWC losing on both occasions –– in 2011 at the Waikato Stadium (66-0) and in 2015 at the Millennium Stadium (2313). In 2014 at the Millennium Stadium Wales beat Fiji (17-13).
At the RWC so far Fiji lost to Australia (39-21) and Uruguay (30-27) but beat Georgia (45-10) while the Warren Gatland coached Dragons beat Australia (29-25) and Georgia (43-14) and will be out to maintain their winning streak.
On the other hand, the ‘07 RWC clash between Fiji and Wales at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes went into history books as the (38-34) loss to Fiji in their final pool game meant Fiji qualified for the quarters at their expense.
The Ilivasi Tabua coached Flying Fijians had the likes of Ratuvou, Delasau, the late Rabeni, Bai, Neivua, Nicky, Moji Rauluni, Sisa, Qera, Semisi Naevo, Rawaqa, Kele Leawere, Railomo, Koto, and Dewes, while Ligairi, Sauturaga, Qiodravu, Lewaravu, Aca Ratuva, Daunivucu, and Bobo sparked things from the bench.
The Gareth Jenkins coached Wales outfit had Gareth, Jones, Shanklin, Hook, Shane and Martyn Williams, Jones, Peel, Popham, Charvis, Ian Evans, Alun Wyn Jones, Horsman, Rees, and Jenkins. Fiji’s tries were scored by Qera, Delasau, Leawere, and Dewes while Popham, Shane, Martyn, Gareth and Jones scored for Wales.
Our boys played their hearts out and created a shocker that evening.
I hope our current squad has seen a replay of that match for they will gain a lot of self-belief and motivation from that historic win.
The scenes of jubilation and celebration from that win are vivid in my mind.
Finally, Ma’afu, Sam, Saulo, Cavubati, Nakarawa, Dominiko, Semi, Bill, Lomani, Ben, Botia, Radradra, Wise, Tuisova, Kini, Mesu, Mawi, Ravai, Api, Yato, Matawalu, Jale, and Josh will shoulder the nations hopes of another upset against Williams, North, Davies, Parkes, Adams, Biggar, Gareth, Moriarty, James, Navidi, Alun Wyn Jones, Jake Ball, Francis, Owens, Wyn Jones, Dee, Carre, Lewis, Shingler, Wainwright, Tomos, Patchell, and Watkin.
To the boys, be good ambassadors and play with guts and determination.
Put your bodies on the line and show the world that we meant business in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Fiji is with you and we will pray for you.
Tovolea mada boys! Toso Viti! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu