Historical super clash
THE SBS Bank Highlanders beat the Swire Shipping-sponsored Fijian Drua 27-24 in the historical, as well as sensational, Super Rugby Pacific clash at Suva’s ANZ Stadium.
Despite being favourites, the gutsy Highlanders fought back from several deficits to beat a fantastic Fijian Drua on a monumental night for rugby in the country’s Capital City.
Both teams shared three tries apiece in a thrilling end-to-end match played out to a passionate and partisan Suva crowd. I browsed through an impressive article thanks to Super 15 and I allude to the key points. Tony Brown’s charges fought back from 21-10 down in the first half to run out winners.
Brown, who took charge of his 100th Super Rugby game for the Otago franchise, had never needed a win more than the one against the Fijian Drua and prior to the battle, the Dunedin side had only won once this season, and sat at the bottom of the log, just ahead of the Pacific Islanders.
The Kiwis hung on by a thread to record their second win of a tough Super Rugby campaign. The historic contest was the first-ever professional franchise Super Rugby match to be played in Fiji, and the hosts did not disappoint.
The emotional and much-anticipated match was played out to a full house and carnival atmosphere and the decibel levels were off the charts as the supporters shouted for their heroes to deliver, and boy did they deliver.
The fans had barely time to sit before the Drua struck the first blow. The Mexican Wave had not even made its way around the ground before the visitors were on the board.
It did not, however, take long for the home team to strike again before the teams traded more blows in a stunning display of free-flowing running rugby.
A staccato second half, understandable after the pace and intensity of the first half, especially in the tropical humidity, saw levels from both sides drop off, and the visitors scored 10 unanswered points after the interval to end the losing streak.
Sam Gilbert, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, and Rhys Marshall dotted down for the Dunedin side, while Mitch Hunt, flawless from the tee, slotted two important goals and two conversions in another solid display at first fiveeighth. Frank Lomani, Vinaya Habosi, and Kalaveti Ravouvou scored for the Fijian Drua.
Teti Tela added a penalty and three conversions to go with his assist for Ravouvou. The Pacific Islanders, however, ran out of gas in the second period as the Kiwis kept them scoreless after the break.
The Kiwis used their experience and superior fitness to hang on for a slender win in Suva. The Fijian Drua lost, but the efforts from the boys made the fans applaud and cheer their hearts out.
We were just unlucky to lose. My dad Ram Lingam accompanied me to ANZ Stadium, and we count ourselves lucky that we watched a match that completely at times took out our breath.
It was an honour to rub shoulders with rugby brains from The Fiji Times- Rodney Duthie, Waisale Koroiwasa and Rohit Deo and the editor Fred Wesley. The atmosphere was fantastic and electrifying. I thank coach Mick Byrne and the players for the match.
The match will live in my memory for ages. Vinaka vakalevu Drua!
Fijiana Drua concedes defeat
On Sunday, fans were glued to their television sets, anticipating a tight battle between the Super W champions - the Rooster Chickensponsored Fijiana Drua and Japan. In 2016, the Fijiana played Japan and lost 55-0.
On Sunday, the Fijiana went down fighting 28-14. Despite the loss, I was satisfied with the way the Fijiana took the Sakura head on.
The Japanese women’s 15s team made their debut at the 1991 Women’s RWC. Since then, Japan has appeared at three other editions of the Women’s RWC in 1994, 2002 and 2017.
The team won the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and they qualified for the 2021 Women’s RWC in NZ.
Last year in November, Japan toured Europe and played Test matches against Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Wales defeated Japan 23-5. Scotland ran in six tries to give the Sakura’s their second loss 36-12.
Ireland, down to 14 players, pulled off an unlikely win 15-12. Japan is ranked 12th while Fiji is ranked 21st. Our discipline haunted us, and we allowed the Japanese to pile pressure and concede points.
The pressure from the successful Super W campaign was exhausting as the Fijiana Drua lost the fighting spirit and character, while the Sakura came fresh. However, the loss should not demoralise the Fijiana, but give them a reality of what to expect at the RWC. Lessons from the loss should make the team stronger! Fijiana 7s finishes seventh in Langford Saiasi Fuli and the Fijiana did not have their way in Langford as they finished seventh. After winning back-to-back silver medals in Dubai, hopes and aspirations were high, but the Fijiana slipped. The Fijiana, after losing to France in the Cup quarter-final 31-12 lost to Canada 26-19 in the first fifth place semi-final. The Fijiana finished seventh after the girls beat Spain 26-7.
Tries by Alowesi Nakoci and Raijieli Daveua, which were converted by Viniana Riwai, gave Fiji a 14-0 lead. Nakoci, with her second, and Reapi Ulunisau scored tries for Fiji after the interval in the 26-7 win.
Lea Ducher scored and converted Spain’s try. After the completion of the fifth tournament, Australia leads the pack with 80 points, followed by France (60), USA (56), Ireland (54) and Fiji (45). The Fijiana has a tough task ahead and they’ll need to bounce back and produce something special as was seen in Dubai!
World Press Freedom Day was commemorated on Tuesday, May 3 and it is celebrated to remember journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, trying to give a voice to common people.
It is about supporting and spreading awareness about the importance of freedom of the press in functioning, information providing, its significance and to awaken the government of its duty to uphold and to respect the right to freedom of expression.
The theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day was “Journalism under digital siege”.
I salute our journalists for working round the clock to keep readers abreast with information, but I urge them to scrutinise decisions of leaders and ensure they meet the highest standards and to ensure voices are heard including those that are marginalised.
Freedom of the press recognises that we are humans and our human dignity needs to be promoted, preserved and protected. Let’s pay tribute to the efforts of our journalists who bring out credible news, articles and stories!
Let’s remember journalists who lost their lives as well! I thank The Fiji Times for giving prominence to World Press Freedom Day.
The editor penned editorials on its significance, and we must respect the work of journalists and allow them to work freely and independently.
Role of The Times
The Fiji Times remains the voice for ordinary Fijians. Life without a copy of The Fiji Times in hand daily is unimaginable.
The Fiji Times, which is Fiji’s oldest newspaper, started its operations in 1869 in Levuka and it continues to be a glaring example of an organisation which speaks truth, exposes lies, and helps share reliable and accurate information. Readers expect correct information to be disseminated so they can make well informed decisions daily.
Although the price of The Fiji Times has risen to $1.50, readers are forking out that extra bit to purchase a newspaper they can rely on for information which is credible and authentic.
The journalists and the editor put their hearts and souls into compiling an edition which is loved and read by the majority.
Late at night, the editor posts up previews of the following day’s newspaper and this drives excitement as readers eagerly look forward to the next day’s edition.
I salute the role The Fiji Times has played in disseminating and sharing information since its inception way back in 1869.
Tides have changed, but the canoe engineering The Fiji Times surpasses treacherous waters and critical boundaries, reaching out to the readers with news.
The Fiji Times has created a special place in thousands of hearts!
is a regular contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are his and not of this newspaper.