Champions retain trophies

JUST as the mighty All Blacks thrashed the Wallabies to continue the Wallabies Bledisloe Cup nightmare, the Nadi Jetsetters survived the onslaught of the Tailevu green machine at Prince Charles Park.

It took just over two minutes for the first thing to go wrong for the Wallabies and it got worse from there in a historic Bledisloe Cup bloodbath as the Bledisloe Cup headed back to NZ for the 18th straight time after the Wallabies suffered a horrific 43-5 loss at a soaked ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

The ABs were up one nil heading into the game with the Wallabies facing two home games to win the trophy back for the first time since 2002, but they were taught a lesson.

The ABs piled on points, putting the hosts to the sword in a nightmare and the 43-5 loss is the biggest ever losing margin in a Bledisloe match, beating a 43-6 Wallabies in Wellington in 1996. It’s the biggest victory margin in the history of trans-Tasman rugby matches, dating back 117 years and 168 matches to 1903. Congratulations to the super powers of world rugby!

On the other hand, hats off to the Tailevu side for playing their hearts out despite losing the Farebrother-Sullivan challenge to Nadi, who dedicated their win to cancer survivors and those in Nadi who are reeling the impact of the COVID-19.

I commend the spirit and character of the Tailevu fans, who made their presence at Prince Charles Park felt, and spurred their boys to deliver a fantastic performance.

They hired buses, bought T-shirts, flags and banners, and painted Prince Charles Park green. Trust me the sea of green stood out.

Tailevu fans — Eleni Ikadroka, Eparama Masivesi, Lavenia Marama, Salote Saininaivalu, Miliana Lalakomacoi and Makereta Tuinabuna — were proud of their side, who did enough to survive in the top flight. Congratulations to NZ and Nadi for retaining their trophies!

RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu