The South Sea Islanders run at the Rugby World Cup has come to an end, with a resounding 47-19 win over an aggressive and brave Uruguayan side. Like Fiji, they were looking for their first win of the tournament and gratefully, the Flying Fijians beat Los Teros to end this World Cup on a high note, with the result a highlight for the many Fijians who have followed the side on tour.
The Fijian’s now head home with just the single win to their name, while the Los Teros will have a short turnaround to face a gutted English side, still coming to terms themselves with their early exit from their own World Cup. That failure is the first by any [sole] host in the history of the Rugby World Cup.
For this Pool C clash, there was a record crowd of 38,000 on hand at Stadium MK, the home of ‘MK Dons’ English Tier 2 football side. A great turnout to watch Uruguay against Fiji, and what a treat they got to see with a bit of ‘rattle dazzle’ from the Fijians by the very end to send the fans away happy and some great passion on display from both sides.
Fiji as usual were lukewarm at times, as they came in-and-out of the game, showing glimpses of brilliance and then moments of boredom. Credit must go to the resilient defence that the Teros put up for this game, which really frustrated the Fijians–a little bit of discontent was evident, some pushing and shoving and then sadly at the end, as Tevita Cavubati scored late in the game, Campesi Ma’afu had a scuffle with little halfback Agustin Ormaechea and both were sent from the field (a yellow for Ma’afu and a Red card, second offense for Ormaechea)
On the plus side, some individual brilliance was the difference in skillset between the sides. In a fantastic 30 metre run, recognized ‘Man of the Match’ Leone Nakarawa even impressed the commentators – Gordon Bray calling Nakarawa his “Player of the Tournament” He, alongside Levani Botia and Akapusi Qera all had good games, Qera with some crucial turnovers to keep the opposition at bay. Nemani Nadolo marked his return in a sterling effort, with a try and six conversions.
When Fiji scored today, the BBC Sport website stated “Fiji have scored at least one try in each of their last 32 tests – the longest current run by any team in Test rugby.” Those statistics do underline this sides potential, but the final scoreline of 47-15 didn’t really reflect the the aggressiveness and brave, gallant effort the Uruguyans put in.
Clearly underdogs, that attitude is a boost for this side heading into their final game with England. The Uruguay coach Pablo Lemoine said ”Against England, we will try and play a tough game like we always do and [we] do our best”
In an eventful match, Fiji were awarded two penalty tries, as the Uruguay scrum collapsed and at times, they seemed intent on slowing the match down to suit but their backs were committed; smaller than their opponents, tackling was good up until substitutes allowed the stronger Fijians to become more dominant.
Again, the Fijians showed the rugby world their newly built prowess in the scrums, in that even without their ‘hardman; Manasa Saulo, they completely shattered the Teros pack. The lineouts were not clinical for the Fijians today, they really did not take charge of that element of the game but the area of concern still lies with the backline. Overall, they are still struggling with any rush defence-systems, which in turn made them turn to play more individually and that cost them on many occasions.
Handling errors again were clearly a weakness, nor was their cleaning out of the ruck that was a limitation which resulted in turnovers for the strong Uruguay side. Another weakness the Fijians showed today, yes it might have been their last game in this tournament, but simple errors can cost you in biggest games, which they have learned a harsh lesson in during this World Cup.
The die-hard Fiji fans are happy with the win, no matter the fact we are leaving the Cup. We all are all very happy with the tremendous improvement the coaching panel, led by John McKee, have done to Fiji rugby. This sides main weakness for years was the set-piece area and especially the scrums. Over time, Fiji have put together a tight five which shoved the English, bruised the Wallabies and left the Welsh questioning “what just happened to our pack?”
World Rugby have witnessed a new belief in the Fiji scrum emerge, which lot of teams expected to come from power-sides like Argentina or Georgia. They will all have taken note now, thanks to the Kiwi scrum boss Alan Muir; a name which was unknown to many Fijians before this World Cup, but he is dearly loved now (not forgetting the South African input by Frans Ludeke)
In the Islands, the ‘voice of the Nation’ has made the call to keep our current coaching panel. The public will grows steadily with news from the grapevine saying the Japaneses side are on the verge of signing John McKee. Today though, the rugby guru put that to rest with his response to ITV Sport when asked after the game against Uruguay.
‘‘I’m committed to Fiji rugby, I will be coaching Fiji” Fiji coach John McKee.
That answer gave hope to many Fijians, as they have started picturing for themselves what this team could produce in four years time [Japan 2019] For most, this side have taken the Tier One nations to the wire and put pressure on with continuous hardwork on and off the field, from this same coaching panel including Tabai Matson. That growth will take Fiji to greater heights (if they retain this group) which is made tough with a shoe-string budget that the Fiji Rugby Union have.
Tier Two nations can compete, that is evident from Japan, Georgia and Romania at this tournament. When 2015 is done and dusted for this Island Nation, everyone is proud of the Flying Fijians no doubt. In reality, this side needed to become the ‘David against three Goliaths’ in the short 13 day window we saw. While others had similar schedules, they fought tooth and nail till the end and while a more effective backline could have been the difference, there are no regrets.
They did not lose due to lack of heart or enthusiasm, and every Fijian is very proud of them all. They know there is plenty of room for improvement still left for this side; the backline obviously, pressure kicking and decision making are work-on areas. But when the team come back home to Fiji, on behalf of my family and village, fans thank them for their gallant effort.
Goodbye England, thanks for your great hospitality and all the best to those teams qualifying for the knock-out stages.
#GoFijiGo #Bolea
“Main photo”
