Brave Blossoms
AFTER defeating the Flying Fijians (34-21), the Tongan Ikale Tahi (41-7), the American Eagles (34-20), and winning the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup, one sensed something special was to follow leading towards the Rugby World Cup.
The Brave Blossoms looked faster, sharper and more inventive throughout the Pacific Nations Cup and throughout their Pool A matches in the world cup. A scintillating display of attacking rugby.
What an amazing achievement so far. They toppled Russia (30-10), world No 2 ranked Ireland (19-12), Samoa (38-19), and Scotland (2821) to top Pool A with 19 points, one point from the maximum of 20 points.
The Brave Blossoms gave 150 per cent effort, showed resilience, confidence, belief and trust in each other, to make it this far into the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
South Africa beckons an enticing quarterfinal for the host nation. Beat the Springbok like they did in 2015 and they face either Wales or France in the semi-finals. Win that match and they will achieve the impossible in hosting the finals with either England, Ireland, Australia, or most likely the mighty All Blacks.
They and their passionate 127 million citizens have showed the world that it can be done.
Whatever the outcome, the Brave Blossoms are as tough and hearty as they come.
Stand up and admire what it takes!
SIMON HAZELMAN Rava Estate, Savusavu